Seres is investing in CATL batteries for Aito in the long term.
CATL and Seres aim to secure their partnership for batteries used in the Aito automotive brand on a long-term basis. To this end, production capacity in Chongqing is set to rise to over 20 GWh per year. Fast charging, battery services, and expansion into overseas markets are also part of the agreement.
Aito 9 in Paris
Image: Aito
As the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has now announced, the Aito brand owned by Seres and Huawei will continue to use CATL’s batteries across its entire model lineup. Meanwhile, both companies intend to deepen their collaboration in battery production, charging infrastructure and battery services, as well as in exploring international markets.
The agreement was signed on October 10 in Chongqing, Seres’ headquarters. According to CATL, all current Aito models are equipped with batteries from the company, which produces both fully electric vehicles and range extender models. The brand’s cumulative deliveries have now exceeded 1.2 million vehicles. The companies did not disclose financial details or the specific duration of the new agreement.
CATL and Seres aim to expand battery manufacturing
A key focus of the cooperation is expanding battery production using the factory-in-factory concept. CATL already operates a battery assembly plant on the premises of the Seres Super Factory in Chongqing, which is now set to be expanded. This second phase is planned to have an annual production capacity of 10 to 12 GWh. Once completed, the combined capacity of both phases is expected to exceed 20 GWh per year. This arrangement brings battery system manufacturing and vehicle assembly closer together geographically. The companies aim to achieve more efficient industrial processes and greater cost competitiveness as a result.
The first phase of the project went into operation as early as June 2025. At that time, CATL launched two production lines for battery packs based on its Cell-to-Pack 2.0 technology, according to the company’s own statements. The facility in Chongqing was simultaneously the battery manufacturer’s first production site in the city and its first project under the “Plant-in-Plant” model. The now-agreed second phase is intended to expand production capacity for Aito accordingly.
The partnership also includes charging and battery services
Beyond simply supplying batteries, CATL and Seres aim to expand their collaboration in fast charging and battery services. According to CATL, the goal is to offer a service that covers the entire battery lifecycle. The companies have not yet disclosed what specific services, locations, or timelines are involved—leaving this announcement entirely vague.
Another component of the agreement is the joint development of overseas markets. The partners specifically mention Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Whether and in what form they intend to establish joint charging services, battery solutions, or other activities there remains unclear for now. Last year, Aito announced its intention to export three electric vehicles to the global market — and it has now launched in the United Arab Emirates at least. Aito is expected to detail its plans for Europe as well at this week’s Paris Auto Show.
CATL Secures Long-Term Supply Relationship
For CATL, the agreement means continuing the existing supply relationship with a growing Chinese automaker on a long-term basis while also integrating production more closely into vehicle manufacturing. Seres, in turn, ensures a steady supply of batteries from this manufacturer for its Aito model lineup.
This deal follows another significant partnership for Aito: Seres and Huawei also reached a new five-year cooperation agreement for the brand at the end of September. The collaboration with Huawei focuses on developing Aito’s business, while CATL continues to play a key role in supplying batteries.
Aito was founded at the end of 2021 by Huawei and Seres, and it is now part of the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), which Huawei has formed with various automakers. Alongside Aito, the HIMA ecosystem includes Luxeed (with Chery), Stelato (with BAIC), Maextro (with JAC), and Shangje (with SAIC).