On April 25, BAIC Group, CATL and CAES formalized a strategic cooperation agreement focused on advancing an integrated ecosystem for supercharging and battery swapping. The collaboration will encompass the development of new battery-swappable vehicle models, the construction of combined fast‐charging and swapping infrastructure, and comprehensive lifecycle management of batteries.
BAIC Group has become one of the initial partners in CATL’s Choco-Swap battery-swapping network. Its Arcfox S3 Choco-Swap Edition, unveiled at Auto China 2026, is the first BAIC model to feature Choco-Swap technology. This system enables energy replenishment in just 99 seconds. By adopting a battery-vehicle separation model, buyers can purchase the vehicle while leasing the battery, significantly lowering the upfront cost. The arrangement also includes a lifetime battery warranty and ongoing upgrade services.
As of April 2026, CATL’s Choco-Swap network comprises over 1,470 battery-swapping stations across 99 cities in China. The company plans to expand this network to more than 3,000 stations by the end of 2026, extending service coverage to nearly 190 cities. This rapid buildout aims to support a growing range of electric vehicle applications and meet diverse mobility needs.
Looking ahead, CATL will continue collaborating with BAIC Group and additional industry partners to introduce more swap-capable vehicle models. The joint effort seeks to establish a ‘chargeable and swappable’ product ecosystem, offering drivers flexible energy solutions and reinforcing the infrastructure required for widespread adoption of electric mobility. By integrating fast charging with rapid battery replacement, the partnership intends to enhance convenience and reduce downtime for electric vehicle users.
Source: CATL official website
