Daimler's truck and Bus division and Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) have signed a worldwide supply agreement for battery modules for electric trucks starting from 2021, Daimler announced on Wednesday.

The agreement covers the supply of lithium-ion battery cell modules for Mercedes-Benz's eActros, Freightliner eCascadia and Freightliner eM2 models, Daimler said.

"We strive to be first to market with series production zero-emission transportation solutions on a global scale," said Gesa Reimelt, head of the E-Mobility Group at Daimler Trucks and Buses.

Daimler will be responsible for the development of the battery systems and would take over assembly at its truck plants in Mannheim, Germany, and Detroit in the United States, the German carmaker announced.

CATL President Jia Zhou said the partnership with Daimler Trucks and Buses is "an important step forward to realize our shared vision of a more sustainable society in the near future."

Back in December, Daimler announced that the company had secured more than 20 billion euros (22.1 billion U.S. dollars) worth of battery cells for its electric cars and trucks.

"Working with CATL as a strong global partner will go a long way in providing a wide range of electric trucks for series production from 2021 onwards," commented Reimelt.