- GAC Aion and BAIC Arcfox will launch EV models compatible with CATL’s Choco battery swap network.
- CATL plans to expand its swap infrastructure to over 3,000 stations by 2026.
The CATL Choco-SEB battery swap expansion is gaining momentum as additional automakers integrate the technology into upcoming electric vehicle models. Chinese manufacturers GAC Aion and BAIC Arcfox are preparing new vehicles compatible with the battery giant’s Choco swap ecosystem, highlighting growing industry confidence in large-scale battery swapping infrastructure.
Automakers Introduce New Battery Swap EV Models
GAC Aion confirmed that it will launch a battery swap version of its Aion RT sedan in April. The model will support CATL’s Choco swap technology and provide a rapid energy replenishment experience that takes approximately 99 seconds for a full battery replacement.
The updated Aion RT lineup originally debuted in September 2025. Positioned as a family sedan, the model is available in four variants with official prices ranging from 99,800 yuan to 123,800 yuan.
Shortly after the announcement, Arcfox revealed that a battery swap version of its new-generation pure-electric family sedan will also debut soon. The upcoming vehicle will connect to the same Choco swap infrastructure and offer the same ultra-fast battery replacement capability.
Battery Swapping Gains Traction in the Chinese EV Market
The introduction of new compatible vehicles signals a faster rollout of battery swapping technology across China. The CATL Choco-SEB battery swap expansion is expected to reshape how electric vehicle owners replenish energy by offering an alternative to conventional plug-in charging.
This development is not the first collaboration between automakers and CATL. In November 2025, GAC Aion introduced the Aion UT super, targeting the 100,000 yuan EV segment. The model supports both charging and battery swapping modes.
Under a battery rental scheme, the Aion UT super has a starting price of 49,900 yuan, while purchasing the vehicle with the battery included begins at 89,900 yuan.
Strategic Partnerships Accelerating Technology Deployment
Partnerships between automakers and CATL have been strengthening over the past several years. In November 2025, GAC Group signed a 10-year comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with CATL to expand collaboration across electrification technologies.
Earlier, in June 2024, BAIC also entered a cooperation agreement with the battery manufacturer. The partnership focuses on areas such as skateboard chassis development and the integration of battery swap systems into future vehicle platforms.
Growing Network of Swap Stations
The expansion of cooperative vehicle models is closely tied to the rapid deployment of infrastructure. CATL has significantly accelerated the construction of Choco swap stations across China.
By the end of 2025, the company had installed 1,020 swap stations within a single year, creating a service network spanning 45 major cities nationwide.
Ambitious Infrastructure Targets for the Future
Encouraged by strong industry adoption, CATL raised its infrastructure deployment target for 2026. The company now plans to build more than 3,000 Choco swap stations, an increase from its earlier goal of 2,500.
Looking further ahead, the long-term strategy aims to establish approximately 30,000 swap stations and introduce a franchise model to accelerate deployment. The company also intends to adopt high-performance sodium-ion batteries at scale beginning in 2026, supporting broader advancements in electric mobility.
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