CATL and Octopus Energy's 'Swaptopus' Moves Closer to Launching Battery Swap for Trucks

A joint venture between battery giant CATL and UK-based Octopus Energy is taking shape under the name “Swaptopus,” with the goal of building a battery-swapping network for commercial trucks across Europe. The partnership aims to make swapping a viable alternative to plug-in charging for heavy-duty fleets.

The venture is edging toward reality as CATL unveils a new semi truck battery designed to support the swap model. Battery swapping for commercial vehicles could cut downtime for haulers, allowing depleted packs to be exchanged for fresh ones instead of waiting on a charge.

Swaptopus faces competition for attention — and for the unofficial title of best name in the EV business — but its real test will be whether a European swap network can scale for trucks. For now, the project remains in its early stages.