CARKU and Sinotruk Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Heavy-Duty Truck Power Systems

CARKU, a global innovator in lithium battery solutions, joined forces with China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (Sinotruk), a pioneer in China’s heavy-duty vehicle industry, to explore groundbreaking advancements in truck auxiliary power systems. Led by CARKU Chairman Cloud Lei andSinotruk’s Research Institute Dean Wang Yibao, the collaboration focused on replacing traditional lead-acid batteries with intelligent lithium solutions, addressing critical challenges in energy efficiency, weight reduction, and extreme-temperature performance for heavy trucks.

1.Pioneering Innovations: Advancing Heavy Truck Parking Batteries

The discussion focused on the development of parking starting battery technology, emphasizing the replacement and upgrade of lead-acid batteries with lightweight, intelligent, and comfortable solutions. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency for existing heavy trucks while addressing key challenges in parking power supply.

As a leading enterprise in China’s heavy duty truck industry, Sinotruk sold 360,000 vehicles in 2024, reinforcing its dominant market position. However, most heavy trucks equipped with parking air conditioners still rely on traditional lead-acid batteries, which suffer from excessive weight, cold-weather inefficiencies, and limited power duration.

Leveraging over a decade of lithium battery expertise, Carku has collaborated with top institutions such as Peking University and Tsinghua University to develop an integratedstarting battery solution. This innovation ensures lightweight, intelligent performance, enhancing driver comfort while aligning with Sinotruk’s vision for new energy and autonomous heavy trucks.

2.Targeted Solutions: Tackling "Power Anxiety" in Heavy Trucks

Despite the rapid transition to new energy vehicles, traditional diesel-powered trucks will continue to dominate the market in the next decade. Optimizing their energy efficiency through partial electrification is key to cost reduction and performance improvement.

Carku’s cutting-edge lithium battery solution offers three major breakthroughs:

（1）Extended Parking Power: Enables over 12 hours of continuous parking air conditioning operation—three times longer than lead-acid batteries—while reducing battery weight by 60%, maximizing space efficiency.

（2）Reliable Cold-Weather Performance: Advanced electrolyte modification and BMS smart thermal management allow seamless truck startups in extreme temperatures as low as -40°C.

（3）Comprehensive Lifecycle Management: The battery connects to a mobile app for real-time monitoring of temperature, charge levels, and system status, with smart fault warnings. Backed by a nationwide network of 10,000+ service outlets, Carku ensures swift response and seamless market penetration.

3. A Promising Future: Driving the Lithium Battery Revolution in Heavy Trucks

As lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery costs continue to decline and technology matures, the heavy truck sector is poised for a major shift from lead-acid to lithium batteries. Over the next five years, the penetration rate of lithium batteries in this sector is expected to surge, with the market size exceeding 10 billion yuan.

The collaboration between Carku and Sinotruk marks a significant step in upgrading traditional heavy trucks. By jointly driving innovation, both parties aim to accelerate the industry’s transition towards lighter, smarter, and more efficient solutions.