CATL Expands Choco-Swap Battery Swapping Network with First Standardized Station in Xiangxi

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) has officially announced the opening of the Jishou Xinglong Station, the first standardized battery swapping station in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in China. The CATL Choco-Swap Battery Swapping Station marks another milestone in the company's battery-swapping network expansion strategy. The new facility is designed to improve battery replacement convenience for electric vehicle users while supporting the wider deployment of standardized battery-swapping infrastructure across the region.

Joint Operation Model Supports Local Deployment

The newly opened station follows a joint-operation model that combines the strengths of Choco-Swap and local operating partners. During the initial phase, Choco-Swap provides battery-swapping equipment, construction support, an operations management system, customer acquisition assistance, and an ecosystem of compatible battery-swappable vehicle models. Local operating partners contribute the station site, power infrastructure, and locally available vehicle resources, creating a collaborative framework for efficient network expansion.

Three-Phase Expansion Planned for Jishou

According to the development plan, Choco-Swap will expand its battery-swapping network across Jishou City in three phases. By the end of 2026, a total of 12 battery-swapping stations are expected to become operational. Once the complete network is in place, drivers across Jishou's core urban area are expected to reach a battery-swapping station within approximately a 10-minute drive, significantly improving accessibility and operational convenience.

Nationwide Battery Swapping Network Continues to Grow

As of the end of June 2026, Choco-Swap has established 2,000 battery-swapping stations across 180 cities in China. The company expects continued network growth throughout the year, with plans to exceed 3,000 battery-swapping stations by the end of 2026. This expansion is projected to extend coverage to nearly 190 cities, strengthening the nationwide battery-swapping ecosystem and supporting broader electric vehicle adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the new CATL Choco-Swap Battery Swapping Station in Xiangxi?
The newly opened Jishou Xinglong Station is the first standardized battery swapping station in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. It operates under a joint-operation model in which Choco-Swap supplies the battery-swapping technology, operational systems, construction support, and compatible vehicle ecosystem, while local partners provide the site, power infrastructure, and vehicle resources. The station represents an important step in expanding CATL's standardized battery-swapping network across China and improving battery replacement accessibility for electric vehicle users.