China accelerates EV battery swapping with new tech from CATL
China is not just leading the global electric vehicle (EV) market—it's poised to transform the way EVs are powered. Chinese automakers and battery giants are now pushing battery swapping technology to new heights.
Changan Automobile has launched the first 1,000 units of its Oshan 520 sedan, primarily targeting taxi services. However, these vehicles mark a major technological leap as the first to feature CATL's innovative Choco-SEB swappable battery packs. These batteries can be exchanged in just 100 seconds at dedicated swap stations—an efficiency game-changer for EV users.
Chongqing already hosts 34 such stations, and CATL plans to expand this network to 1,000 stations across 31 cities by 2025. The infrastructure is designed to support up to 822 swaps per day per station, offering a fast, convenient alternative to conventional charging.
CATL, the world's largest EV battery manufacturer, is partnering with major automakers—including Nio, Chery, GAC, SAIC, FAW, and BAIC—to integrate this technology into upcoming models. Among the vehicles adopting the Choco-SEB system are the GAC Aion S, Hongqi E-QM5, SAIC Roewe D7, BAIC C66, Wuling Bingo, and SAIC's Maxus range.
While ideal for commercial fleets and taxis, this technology also has significant potential for long-distance drivers. Battery swapping stations on highways could one day rival the convenience of traditional petrol stations, making EV ownership even more practical and appealing.
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