CATL Choco-Swap Opens First China Gas Battery-Swapping Station

CATL Choco-Swap Opens First Joint Station

CATL Choco-Swap has expanded its battery-swapping network in China with the opening of the Hohhot Saihan Xing’an South Road Station in Inner Mongolia. Jointly developed by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd and China Gas Smart Transportation, the facility is the first station to begin operations following the companies’ strategic partnership. Upgraded from a China Gas natural gas refueling station, it combines battery swapping with electric-vehicle charging and natural gas refueling, creating a multi-energy site that can support different vehicle energy needs at one location.

Strategic Partnership Targets Existing Infrastructure

In March 2026, Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology Ltd, CATL’s battery-swapping subsidiary, formed a strategic partnership with China Gas Smart Transportation to accelerate deployment of the Choco-Swap network. Under the agreement, China Gas Smart Transportation plans to make more than 400 natural gas refueling stations across China available to the network, while CAES will install standardized battery-swapping systems and provide intelligent operational capabilities. The partnership is intended to use existing refueling infrastructure as a foundation for expanding battery-swapping coverage, potentially reducing the need to develop entirely new sites.

Battery-Swapping Rollout Expands Across Multiple Cities

Station development under the partnership is already progressing beyond Hohhot. The two companies have advanced projects in Baotou, Dezhou, and Wuhu, while additional station projects are underway in Shiyan and Meizhou. This rollout indicates that the partnership is moving from its initial strategic agreement toward deployment across multiple Chinese cities. By combining existing China Gas sites with CAES battery-swapping technology and operations, the parties are establishing a broader network model that can integrate battery exchange, EV charging, and natural gas refueling within existing energy infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is significant about the new CATL Choco-Swap station?
The new facility represents the first operating station developed under the strategic partnership between CATL’s battery-swapping subsidiary and China Gas Smart Transportation. Located in Hohhot, the station was upgraded from an existing natural gas refueling facility and now supports battery swapping, EV charging, and natural gas refueling. The approach demonstrates how established energy infrastructure can be adapted to accommodate multiple vehicle energy services. The partnership also provides a pathway for expanding the Choco-Swap network by using more than 400 existing China Gas natural gas refueling stations across China.