Gasgoo Munich- STO Express has entered into a strategic partnership with CATL in Ningde, Fujian, marking a new step toward decarbonizing China's parcel delivery sector, according to a post CATL issued on April 3 via its WeChat account.
Image source: CATL
The agreement sets the stage for collaboration across green logistics, fleet electrification, charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, and full lifecycle battery management. Executives from both companies attended the signing, underscoring the importance of the alliance as the industry seeks more sustainable growth models.
One of the biggest cost pressures in long-haul parcel transport is fuel consumption, an area where electrification offers immediate gains. CATL has worked with vehicle manufacturers to tailor battery systems specifically for STO's operating scenarios, optimizing factors such as capacity, layout, and overall vehicle weight. On a representative 400-kilometer route between Shanghai and Ningbo, electric heavy-duty trucks have demonstrated energy savings equivalent to about RMB 0.8 per kilometer compared with diesel vehicles. Even after factoring in depreciation differences, operators can still achieve cost reductions of roughly 0.3 to 0.5 yuan per kilometer.
Infrastructure remains a critical barrier to scaling electric freight, particularly for long-distance routes. CATL is addressing this challenge through an expanding network of battery-swapping stations designed for heavy-duty trucks, aiming to reduce downtime and eliminate range concerns. The company has already deployed more than 300 QIJI battery swapping stations and plans to exceed 900 nationwide by 2026. Notably, these facilities are concentrated in key economic hubs—including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Greater Bay Area—closely aligning with STO's main logistics corridors and enabling consistent energy replenishment along major routes.
Through this partnership, CATL and STO Express aim to combine their respective strengths in technology and logistics operations to establish a model for integrating new energy solutions into the express delivery sector. The collaboration reflects a broader shift across China's logistics industry toward cleaner, smarter, and more efficient transport systems.
