Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and Trailer Dynamics have signed a battery supply agreement for a new way to electrify long-haul trucks. CATL will develop, manufacture and supply batteries for the Newton eTrailer, which will launch in 2023.

The Newton eTrailer, Trailer Dynamics’s first electric semi-trailer, is designed to respond to the driving behavior of its coupled tractor using an electric drive train supported by an integrated electric transmission system, managing energy resources intelligently along the entire route. 

“Together with Trailer Dynamics, we are accelerating the development and population of European e-mobility,” said CATL President Li Xiaoning. “CATL believes cooperation is a milestone in the area of zero-emission logistics for long-haul trucks.”

To meet the Newton eTrailer’s efficiency requirements, CATL is developing a 300 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with cell-to-pack (CTP) technology and liquid cooling. The LFP chemistry delivers a long cycle life and a thermal runaway temperature of up to 800° C. CATL says that, applying the advanced CTP technology, the Newton can achieve specific energy of 155 Wh/kg.

“A high-quality, high-performing durable battery is a central unique selling point that makes the crucial difference to all other competing concepts in the long-haul industry,” said Trailer Dynamics CEO Abdullah Jaber.

Source: CATL