BAIC Arcfox S3 Battery Swap Sedan Enters MIIT Catalog with 159 kW Motor

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has revealed new details about the BAIC Arcfox S3 battery swap sedan after the model appeared in the latest vehicle catalog released for public review. The listing represents one of the final regulatory steps required before a vehicle receives approval for commercial sales in China. The newly disclosed variant signals a deeper commitment by BAIC to the battery swapping ecosystem while strengthening its collaboration with CATL, a global leader in electric vehicle battery technology and infrastructure development.

Regulatory Listing Confirms Battery Swap Capability

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China released the latest catalog of vehicles awaiting market approval on March 13. Public comments on the proposed models can be submitted between March 14 and March 19 before final authorization is granted. Inclusion in this catalog indicates that the electric sedan has successfully completed major technical verification steps and is approaching production readiness. For BAIC, the model represents the first Arcfox-branded vehicle specifically configured to support battery swapping technology, highlighting the company’s strategy to expand its electrified product portfolio through alternative energy replenishment solutions.

Vehicle Specifications and Powertrain Upgrade

The five-seat electric sedan features dimensions suited for the mid-size segment, measuring 4,916 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height. It rides on a 2,876 mm wheelbase designed to support spacious interior packaging and improved ride stability. The vehicle’s curb weight is listed at 1,620 kg, while the maximum speed reaches 165 km/h. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 159 kW of peak output, representing a 9 kW increase compared with the previously filed standard electric Arcfox S3 configuration.

Battery Supply and Platform Integration

The battery pack used in the model is supplied by a joint venture formed by CATL and SAIC Motor. This collaboration ensures compatibility with standardized battery swap modules and allows the vehicle to integrate directly into CATL’s expanding energy replacement infrastructure. The technical approach enables rapid battery replacement while maintaining vehicle performance and safety standards required for mass-market electric vehicles.

Integration with the Choco Battery Swap Network

The filing also highlights the strengthening partnership between BAIC and CATL in the development of modular electric vehicle platforms and battery swap technology. The companies previously signed a strategic cooperation agreement in June 2024 to jointly develop skateboard chassis and swap-compatible vehicle architectures. Through this collaboration, the BAIC Arcfox S3 battery swap sedan will connect to CATL’s Choco energy replacement network, which promises an ultra-fast battery exchange process that can replenish vehicle energy in approximately 99 seconds.

Rapid Expansion of Battery Swap Infrastructure

CATL has been aggressively expanding its battery swap ecosystem across China as part of a broader electrification strategy aimed at reducing charging times and improving operational efficiency for electric vehicles. The Choco network has grown rapidly, supported by strong cooperation with multiple automotive manufacturers. By the end of 2025, the company had already deployed over one thousand swap stations nationwide, establishing the foundation for a large-scale battery exchange infrastructure.

Looking ahead, CATL plans to accelerate the rollout of its infrastructure through a franchise-based expansion model while continuing to improve battery technology. The company is also preparing to introduce sodium-ion battery systems for large-scale deployment starting in 2026, which could further enhance the efficiency and cost competitiveness of battery swapping solutions within the electric vehicle market.