CATL Unveils TECTRANS II Battery Platform at IAA Transport Show

cleantechnica.com Sep 27, 2026

CATL Unveils TECTRANS II Battery Platform at IAA Transport Show

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 27, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) unveiled TECTRANS II, a modular battery platform for commercial vehicles, at IAA Transportation 2026. The version promises up to 1,000 km (621 mi) range and megawatt‑level charging that reaches 80 % state‑of‑charge in 25 minutes. Standardized packs can be configured for e‑axle or central‑drive systems, support conventional charging or swapping, and are designed for a 12‑year, 1.5 million‑km service life with 70 % capacity retention. CATL says the architecture can cut development cycles by roughly 50 % and lower R&D costs by 60‑70 %. The system delivers 170 Wh/kg energy density, 96 % round‑trip efficiency, and adds about 0.6 tonne payload. CATL signed an MoU with DHL Group to create green freight corridors in Europe, pairing the batteries with logistics networks for electric deployments.

💡 Why It Matters

· By enabling 1,000‑km trips with minimal downtime, the platform makes long‑haul electric trucks operationally viable, accelerating the shift to zero‑emission freight.

Capsules Transport

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2023 Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab 4×4

A 2023 Ram 1500 TRX Crew Cab 4×4, originally purchased new, now has 7,000 miles and is listed for auction at $1,600. The vehicle features the TRX Level 2 Equipment Package, Trailer‑Tow and Advanced Safety groups, and a Diamond Black Crystal Pearl finish with black leather and microsuede interiors. Power comes from a supercharged 6.2‑liter Hemi V8, eight‑speed automatic, full‑time two‑speed transfer case, and electronically locking rear differential. Notable options include 22″ Vossen forged wheels, Bilstein adaptive dampers, heated/ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio, 360° camera, and a 12″ UConnect touchscreen. The truck also carries a clean Oregon title, accident‑free Carfax, and a set of 18″ bead‑lock aluminum wheels.

💡 The auction offers a rare, low‑mileage high‑performance Ram TRX at a price far below its retail value, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire a fully equipped, factory‑spec model with a clean title and comprehensive safety and towing packages.

cleantechnica.com · Sep 27

Volvo’s Electric Trucks Win International Truck of the Year 2027 at IAA

Volvo Trucks’ new generation of heavy‑duty electric trucks—FH Electric, FM Electric, FMX Electric and FH Aero Electric—was awarded International Truck of the Year 2027 at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover. The jury praised the range’s longer driving distances, energy efficiency, payload capacity and versatility. Volvo began series production of the new models on September 14 at its Tuve plant, with additional output planned in Ghent. The flagship FH Aero Electric can travel up to 700 km on a single charge and supports megawatt charging.

💡 The award signals that battery‑electric trucks are moving beyond niche urban routes into long‑haul and high‑payload markets, reshaping freight logistics and accelerating the industry’s shift toward zero‑emission haulage.

motor1.com · Sep 27

These Useful Car Features Are Hiding In Your Owner’s Manual

Modern vehicle owner’s manuals often contain hidden convenience functions that many drivers never discover. While most owners consult the manual only for warning lights or oil specifications, it also details features such as remote window operation, customizable door‑unlock settings, automatic mirror folding, adjustable interior lighting, and a valet mode for infotainment systems. These capabilities vary by make and model, and many are accessed through specific key‑fob button combinations or menu selections that are not obvious from the dashboard. Consumer Reports has highlighted that some functions require activation in the vehicle’s settings before they become usable. The manual’s sections on keys, remote entry, and vehicle settings provide the most reliable source for unlocking these lesser‑known tools, preventing trial‑and‑error experimentation.

💡 Drivers can instantly boost safety, convenience, and resale appeal by mastering features that are already built into their cars but remain undocumented in everyday use.

bringatrailer.com · Sep 27

2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 Brabus 800 Widestar Signature

The 2025 Mercedes‑AMG G63 Brabus 800 Widestar Signature, a heavily modified W463 G‑Class, is listed for auction in the United States with a current bid of $200,000. Brabus spent roughly $278,000 to equip the vehicle with its PowerXtra B40S‑800 performance kit, a valved exhaust, and a Widestar body kit, while adding carbon‑fiber trim inside and out. The twin‑turbo 4.0‑liter V8 remains mated to a nine‑speed automatic, dual‑range transfer case and three locking differentials, and rides on forged 24‑inch Monoblock ZV wheels with lowered AMG Active Ride Control suspension. Exterior finishes include Manufaktur Graphite Metallic, a sunroof, surround‑view cameras and a rear wing. Inside, the Signature Edition features black leather, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Burmester surround‑sound system, rear‑seat entertainment and three‑zone climate control.

💡 The auction showcases how ultra‑luxury tuners are turning already premium SUVs into exclusive collector pieces, blurring the line between performance engineering and high‑end lifestyle branding.

morungexpress.com · Sep 27

NFR, IIT Guwahati launch AI-based project DRISHTI to secure freight wagons

North-East Frontier Railway (NFR) has deployed an artificial‑intelligence system called Project DRISHTI to monitor freight‑wagon doors, locks and seals, developed with IIT Guwahati. The launch took place on September 25 at NFR’s headquarters in Maligaon, Assam, and was announced by Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma. DRISHTI uses high‑speed cameras, intelligent lighting, secure networking and AI to read wagon numbers, inspect closures and flag irregularities as trains pass designated checkpoints, creating a record for response. NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava said the solution replaces manual checks that are slow, improving safety for supply chains that rely on rail due to difficult road conditions. The system aims to protect consignments, cut delays and efficiently lessen the workload of RPF and commercial staff.

💡 Real‑time AI monitoring turns freight security from a labor‑intensive chore into an automated safeguard, directly protecting the region’s fragile supply chain.

cleantechnica.com · Sep 27

Elon Musk A No-Show At Tesla Semi Event Because …

Tesla unveiled its Semi Class 8 truck at the opening of a new Nevada production facility, but CEO Elon Musk was absent, appearing only via a pre‑recorded video. The event highlighted the Semi’s strong market reception and Tesla’s expanding manufacturing footprint. Musk’s remote participation coincided with his attendance at a White House dinner honoring Chinese President Xi Jinping, a high‑profile diplomatic gathering. At the same time, Tesla faces escalating legal challenges, including a California civil rights lawsuit alleging racial discrimination at its Fremont plant and a separate EEOC harassment case. Additionally, a documentary titled “Musk” sparked controversy when major platforms briefly refused to run its ads, prompting a brief reversal after public backlash. The convergence of these events placed Tesla and Musk under heightened public scrutiny.

💡 Musk’s choice to prioritize a diplomatic dinner over a flagship product launch underscores the growing tension between his political engagements and core business responsibilities.