- CATL and Yutong will jointly expand commercial EV operations across more than 60 overseas markets.
- The companies are also developing battery-swapping solutions for heavy-duty commercial trucks.
CATL and Yutong have strengthened their long-standing partnership by signing a new memorandum of understanding focused on overseas commercial electric vehicle expansion and advanced battery technologies. The agreement was signed on May 12 and marks another major step in the collaboration between the two Chinese companies, which have worked together for the past 15 years in the commercial vehicle sector. The latest partnership will primarily target global electrification opportunities across mobility, logistics, and commercial operations.
The companies stated that the new strategic cooperation will help create a large-scale export model for Chinese automotive technologies across more than 60 overseas countries and regions. Through the collaboration, both companies aim to accelerate the adoption of electric commercial vehicles while expanding the international presence of Chinese battery and bus technologies. The partnership is expected to support broader electrification efforts in public transportation, logistics fleets, and operational commercial vehicle applications worldwide.
CATL and Yutong Overseas Expansion Focus
The latest agreement places strong emphasis on overseas business growth, especially in regions where commercial vehicle electrification is gaining momentum. China-based CATL and Yutong plan to combine their expertise in battery technology and commercial vehicle manufacturing to improve market competitiveness internationally. Their collaboration will focus on developing scalable solutions for electric buses, logistics vehicles, and heavy-duty transportation systems that require reliable long-range battery performance.
In addition to vehicle electrification, the companies will jointly advance battery-swapping solutions for heavy-duty trucks. The partnership aims to establish standardized battery-swapping systems and unified operational frameworks that can improve energy replenishment efficiency and commercial fleet asset management. By developing common swapping standards, the companies seek to reduce downtime for commercial operators and support faster deployment of electrified heavy-duty transport fleets in global markets.
Major Developments in the CATL-Yutong Partnership
The relationship between the two companies has remained exclusive for many years, with Yutong using CATL batteries throughout the partnership period. CATL has supported the bus manufacturer with stable battery supply arrangements and pricing support, helping strengthen its role as Yutong’s sole battery supplier. Their cooperation has continued to expand as both companies pursue long-term opportunities in electric commercial transportation.
In September 2022, the companies extended their strategic cooperation agreement by another 10 years to strengthen collaboration in commercial vehicle development and overseas business activities. The partnership later achieved another milestone in March 2024 with the launch of a long-life battery solution designed for commercial applications such as buses and heavy-duty trucks. The battery was developed to deliver a lifespan of up to 15 years or 1.5 million kilometers.
Key Highlights of the CATL-Yutong Collaboration
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership Duration | 15 Years |
| Overseas Expansion | 60+ Countries and Regions |
| Battery Lifespan | 15 Years or 1.5 Million Kilometers |
| Battery Feature | Zero Degradation for First 1,000 Cycles |
| Focus Area | Commercial Vehicles and Battery Swapping |
The long-life battery introduced by the companies was designed to maintain zero degradation during its first 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. The battery technology mainly targets commercial segments including electric buses and heavy-duty trucks, where durability, lifecycle performance, and operational reliability are critical. The development highlights the increasing focus on advanced battery systems that can lower operating costs and improve long-term fleet efficiency.
CATL Maintains Strong Global Battery Market Position
CATL continues to hold the leading position in the global electric vehicle battery market. During the first quarter of 2026, the company accounted for 40.7% of global EV battery market share. In the domestic market, CATL maintained its leadership in battery installations during April, recording 29.06 GWh of power battery installations and achieving a market share of 46.64%, according to data released by the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance. The company’s continued expansion in commercial electrification partnerships further strengthens its international growth strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new agreement between CATL and Yutong focused on?
The new agreement between CATL and Yutong focuses on overseas commercial EV expansion, battery-swapping solutions, and heavy-duty vehicle electrification. The companies aim to jointly expand Chinese automotive technologies into more than 60 international markets while improving commercial vehicle efficiency. Their cooperation will also support the development of standardized battery-swapping systems for heavy-duty trucks. The partnership further strengthens their long-term collaboration in electric commercial transportation and advanced battery technology development.
What are the main features of the long-life battery launched by CATL and Yutong?
The long-life battery launched by CATL and Yutong is designed for commercial vehicles such as buses and heavy-duty trucks. It offers an operational lifespan of up to 15 years or 1.5 million kilometers. The battery can also maintain zero degradation during its first 1,000 charge-discharge cycles, improving long-term reliability and reducing maintenance costs. The technology is intended to support commercial fleet operators seeking durable and efficient battery solutions for electrified transportation applications.
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