Daimler Truck and CATL strengthen their partnership on truck-focused batteries
CATL is also supposed to supply batteries for the Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul battery-electric truck, which is planned to be ready for series production in 2024, within an agreement that will last beyond 2030.
Daimler Truck and CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) will extend the existing global partnership for joint development of sophisticated truck-focused batteries. The two companies, which share the vision of CO2-neutral electrified trucking, intend to jointly design and develop even more advanced next-generation battery cells and packs for truck specific applications.
In addition, the Cinese company CATL is supposed to supply batteries for the Mercedes-Benz eActros LongHaul battery-electric truck, which is planned to be ready for series production in 2024, within an agreement that will last beyond 2030.
Daimler Truck and CATL, the origins of a partnership
Tracing back the origins of the aforementioned partnership, Daimler Truck and CATL entered into a global lithium-ion battery cell modules supply agreement for electric series trucks including the Mercedes-Benz eActros, the Freightliner eCascadia and eM2. In September 2020, Daimler Truck announced the eActros LongHaul, which will have a range of about 500 kilometres for energy-efficient transport on plannable long-haul routes.
Indeed, Daimler Truck is pursuing a sustainable corporate strategy and aims to offer only new vehicles that are CO2-neutral in driving operation (‘tank-to-wheel’) in Europe, Japan, and North America by 2039. As early as 2022, Daimler Truck’s vehicle portfolio will include series-produced vehicles with battery-electric drive systems in the main sales regions Europe, the United States, and Japan. By 2027, Daimler Truck intends to supplement its portfolio by adding series-produced hydrogen-based fuel-cell vehicles.
«We lead the way to zero emissions in the truck industry»
«Partnerships are vital for us to deliver on our commitment to the Paris Agreement and our ultimate goal of achieving CO2-neutral transport on the roads, on which we are working at full speed. Expanding and strengthening our strong collaboration with CATL will play a key role as we accelerate our electrification activities and lead the way to zero emissions in the truck industry. We will launch a wide range of customer-oriented, innovative series-produced electric trucks from 2021 onwards», stated Martin Daum, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck and Member of the Board of Management of Daimler.
«We are very happy to strengthen the existing partnership with Daimler Truck AG based on our shared vision in e-mobility. With CATL’s innovative technology in EV batteries and Daimler Truck’s deep expertise in the heavy truck industry, we believe our strong global partnership will further enhance Daimler Truck AG’s market position on the e-mobility stage and accelerate to drive towards carbon neutrality», added Robin Zeng, Founder, Chairman and CEO of CATL
