Dongfeng Motor has been negotiating with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) since the second quarter to secure first-launch rights for the third-generation Shenxing battery, according to a report cited by CarNewsChina.com. CATL introduced the super-fast-charging battery on April 21 as automakers prepared fourth-quarter product launches.
CATL says the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in 3 minutes and 44 seconds and reach full charge in approximately 6 minutes under normal temperatures. The company is seeking to demonstrate the technology through mass production as competitors expand their own fast-charging battery deployments. BYD has already installed its second-generation Blade Battery in multiple models, including vehicles priced at around 70,000 yuan ($10,400).
Securing the debut could give Dongfeng leverage in negotiations covering battery supply commitments and pricing. The talks come as automakers seek to diversify their battery suppliers. However, CATL retained a 43.8% share of China’s battery market during the first nine months of 2026, according to the report.
Dongfeng and CATL also signed a group-level strategic cooperation agreement on October 29. The agreement focuses on developing an integrated supercharging and battery-swapping energy ecosystem. Dongfeng brands Voyah, M-hero and Epicland are expected to be the first to use jointly developed products supporting charging rates of 10C or higher.
CATL is integrating its Chocolate battery-swapping stations with Shenxing supercharging facilities. Batteries stored at the stations can also provide energy storage for ultra-fast charging points. CATL has discussed a reverse-swapping model under which users could exchange fully charged batteries and receive compensation for supplying energy to the stations.
The company plans to expand its network to more than 3,000 integrated charging and swapping stations by the end of the year. Its battery-swapping partners include Dongfeng, Chery, BAIC, Changan, GAC and Seres.
Source: CarNewsChina.com
