BAIC and CATL aim to promote the battery swapping approach.

The two Chinese companies, BAIC Group and CATL, are deepening their partnership in the area of vehicle battery swapping: BAIC plans to develop more compatible models and advance the establishment of swap stations through its dealer network.

Image: BAIC

According to Chinese industry websites, the agreement recently signed by both companies includes joint vehicle and battery development, building a swap station network, as well as developing battery energy services and innovative business models. Their common goal is to create a battery swapping ecosystem that serves millions of vehicles.

BAIC and its brands commit under the deal to developing more models compatible with CATL’s “Choco-SEB” battery swapping network. The manufacturer also plans to use its dealership network to assist CATL in setting up battery swapping stations near auto dealerships. However, the partners have not provided a specific timeline or details regarding the scale of the planned network or the exact car models involved.

This agreement builds on an existing partnership. In June 2024, BAIC and CATL signed their first contract covering vehicles with swapable batteries, battery pack development, and data management. One of the models that are now compatible is the Arcfox Beta S3, which was launched in China in May. According to CN EV News, a swapable battery version of the Arcfox Beta T1 also appeared in the MIIT vehicle catalog in August.

CATL’s interest in this deal is obvious: as an operator of swapping stations, the company aims to expand its user base for its network. China’s battery giant already applies this approach to cars, vans, and trucks, offering standardized swapping batteries of various sizes at its stations, which are called “Choco-SEB.” SEB stands for “Swapping Electric Blocks,” while the name “Choco” is meant to evoke the appearance of a chocolate bar with its individual “blocks.”

According to Chinese media, in addition to BAIC, Newcool has also recently joined CATL’s battery swapping ecosystem. Newcool is a smart car specialist from the Huawei group, also known as Yinwang. CATL currently has around 2,500 battery swapping stations in 200 Chinese cities, according to its own statements. The company’s long-term goal is to reach 30,000 stations.