HANOVER: Several major players in the transport sector are joining forces to develop an ambitious project for removable batteries for electric trucks.
The idea is to be able to switch batteries in less than five minutes at dedicated stations installed on major roads throughout Europe.
This project brings together Germany's DB Schenker, a giant in logistics and freight transport, and Trailer Dynamics, a specialist in truck electrification, as well as China's CATL, the world's largest manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
Their aim is to develop a concept for a battery exchange system for electric trucks operating in Europe.
The aim of this initiative is to facilitate the rapid replacement of batteries in less than five minutes, thereby improving the range of electric trucks involved in freight transport.
As well as saving time for truck drivers, this kind of solution would also make professionals in the sector less dependent on traditional charging infrastructure and the associated constraints, such as having to stick to routes with nearby charging stations, or having to deal with faulty or out of order equipment.
Initially, the three partners will jointly conduct a feasibility study for the creation and implementation of battery exchange stations capable of meeting the needs of the future electric trucks that will one day be crisscrossing Europe. They will then need to identify the best locations for testing battery exchange stations.
The first prototype trailer featuring a battery swapping compartment is being presented this week at the IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hanover.
At the same time, CATL is causing a stir with its new TECTRANS battery system for trucks, available in several versions, one capable of recharging to 70% in just 15 minutes, and another boasting a service life of 15 years or 2.8 million kilometres.
