Epicland, the joint venture between Dongfeng and Huawei, is set to introduce its first battery swap-enabled model in 2027. This move follows a new partnership between Huawei’s automotive division and CATL, aiming to integrate advanced battery swap technology into future vehicles. The collaboration will connect vehicles, battery swap stations, and cloud systems for a seamless energy experience.
Huawei, CATL, and Epicland Join Forces
Huawei’s intelligent automotive business, known as Yinwang or Newcool, has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with CATL and its battery swap operator, Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology (CAES). The agreement, announced on October 19, brings Newcool into CATL’s Choco swap ecosystem.
The partnership aims to make vehicles equipped with Huawei Qiankun intelligent automotive solutions compatible with the Choco swap network. This will allow Epicland models to access a growing network of battery swap stations across China.
Automated Battery Swap Technology
The three parties plan to connect vehicles, battery swap stations, and cloud systems. By using real-time battery status and analyzing users’ travel patterns, the system will anticipate energy needs and proactively arrange battery swaps.
According to the cooperation roadmap, vehicles will be able to autonomously locate a battery swap station, enter and align themselves, and complete a fully automated battery swap in just 99 seconds before driving away.
Epicland’s Current Lineup and Future Plans
Epicland launched its first model, the X9, on September 24, 2026, and began nationwide deliveries at Huawei’s Songshan Lake campus on October 18, 2026. The X9 is a large, three-row, six-seat extended-range electric SUV featuring Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 driver assistance and the HarmonySpace 6 cockpit as standard.
While the X9 showcases Epicland’s current technology, the report did not specify whether this model will be the first to feature the new battery swap system planned for 2027.
Competitor Comparison
Epicland’s upcoming battery swap model will enter a market where battery swapping is gaining traction, with competitors such as NIO and Geely already offering similar technology. NIO, in particular, has established a significant battery swap network in China, while Geely has also launched its own battery swap-capable vehicles. Epicland’s integration of Huawei’s intelligent solutions and CATL’s battery expertise aims to set a new benchmark in this segment.
Regional Availability
Epicland’s battery swap-enabled vehicles are expected to be available across China, leveraging the nationwide Choco swap network operated by CATL and CAES. The brand’s initial deliveries of the X9 have already begun nationwide, indicating broad market coverage.
Why this matters
The partnership between Huawei, CATL, and Epicland represents a significant step forward in the adoption of battery swap technology in China’s EV market. By connecting vehicles, stations, and cloud systems, the collaboration aims to make battery swapping faster and more convenient for users.
This development could accelerate the shift toward battery-as-a-service models and reduce charging downtime, addressing a key concern for electric vehicle owners.
What this means for buyers
Buyers interested in Epicland vehicles should watch for the launch of the first battery swap-enabled model in 2027. Those seeking advanced driver assistance and a spacious electric SUV can already consider the X9, while future models may offer even greater convenience through automated battery swapping.
Potential customers should compare Epicland’s offerings with established battery swap brands like NIO and Geely to determine the best fit for their needs.
Key Specs
- First battery swap model launch: 2027 (model not yet identified)
- Battery swap time: 99 seconds (fully automated)
- Epicland X9 launch date: September 24, 2026
- Epicland X9 deliveries: Nationwide, began October 18, 2026
- Epicland X9 seating: 3-row, 6-seat SUV
- Driver assistance: Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 (standard)
- Cockpit system: HarmonySpace 6
