CATL and Octopus Energy to Jointly Develop Heavy Truck Battery Swapping Across Europe

Chinese battery giant CATL has teamed up with UK-based Octopus Energy to push into the European market for heavy-duty truck battery swapping. The two companies announced on June 22 that they will create an equally owned joint venture dedicated to rolling out swap stations across the region.

This partnership marks CATL’s first major foray into Europe’s commercial vehicle charging infrastructure. By leveraging Octopus Energy’s expertise in energy management and its established customer base, the venture aims to offer a practical alternative to conventional plug-in charging for fleet operators.

The joint venture will focus on building a network that can support long-haul electric trucks, reducing downtime and addressing range anxiety. With the UK as the initial target, the plan is to have operational stations by 2027, with further expansion into other European countries expected later.

CATL’s move comes as Europe tightens emissions regulations for commercial transport, creating a growing demand for efficient charging solutions. Battery swapping is seen as a key approach to keep electric trucks moving, especially where charging infrastructure is still limited.