CATL and BAIC Group have announced a major strategic partnership aimed at deploying one million battery-swapping electric vehicles. The agreement, signed in Beijing on October 22, 2026, will see both companies collaborate on vehicle development, battery supply, and the rapid expansion of battery-swapping infrastructure across China.
Strategic Agreement Details
The partnership between CATL and BAIC Group was formalized with a signing ceremony attended by senior leadership from both companies, including Zhang Jianyong, Chairman of BAIC Group, and Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL. The agreement focuses on integrating BAIC’s multi-brand vehicle lineup into CATL’s ‘Chocolate’ battery-swapping ecosystem.
Key areas of collaboration include joint vehicle development, battery supply, expansion of battery-swapping networks, and the creation of new business models such as ‘Battery Bank’ initiatives. The goal is to make battery swapping a mainstream choice for EV consumers in China.
Expanding Battery-Swapping Infrastructure
A core component of the partnership is the rapid deployment of CATL’s ‘Chocolate’ battery-swapping stations. BAIC Group will leverage its dealership network to support this rollout, making energy replenishment services more accessible to drivers.
CATL has already established 2,520 battery-swapping stations nationwide. According to the official Chocolate Battery Swap app, compatible models currently include the BAIC Arcfox S3, BAIC EU8, GAC Aion UT Sport, GAC Aion RT Super, GAC Aion S (battery swapping), Changan Oshan 520, FAW Hongqi E-QM5, and JMEV Yichi 05.
Utilisation and Market Impact
While the number of compatible vehicles on the road remains limited, some stations are seeing high usage. During China’s National Day holiday in 2026, the busiest Chocolate Battery Swap station handled 311 swaps in a single day, surpassing Nio’s busiest station, which managed 211 swaps.
BAIC’s compact T1 car, recently filed for a Chocolate Battery Swap version, is positioned in the same segment as the Geely Xingyuan (Geely E2/EX2), indicating potential for broader adoption in the compact EV market.
Competitor Comparison
Nio remains a leader in battery-swapping EVs, with a proprietary network and high daily swap volumes. Its busiest station handled 211 swaps in a single day, compared to CATL’s 311 at peak. GAC’s Aion S and Hongqi’s E-QM5, both battery swap-ready models, are among the earliest adopters of CATL’s Choco Swap technology, targeting mainstream and premium segments respectively.
These competitors highlight the growing momentum and competition in China’s battery-swapping EV market, with each brand leveraging unique infrastructure and vehicle compatibility strategies.
Why this matters
CATL’s partnership with BAIC marks a significant step toward scaling battery-swapping as a practical alternative to traditional charging, addressing consumer concerns about charging convenience and infrastructure availability.
With CATL holding 39.2% of the global EV battery market and reporting $63.3B (~AUD 90.1B) in revenue for 2025, this initiative could further solidify its leadership while accelerating the adoption of battery-swapping technology across China.
What this means for buyers
For consumers, the expansion of battery-swapping networks means more choices and greater convenience, especially for those in urban areas or commercial fleets. Buyers considering a BAIC, GAC, or Hongqi EV with battery-swapping capability will benefit from faster energy replenishment and potentially lower upfront costs if battery leasing options are offered.
Prospective EV owners should monitor the rollout of compatible models and station coverage in their region, as the network’s growth could influence both vehicle selection and long-term ownership experience.
Key Specs
- Partnership Announced: October 22, 2026
- Target Battery-Swapping EVs: 1 million
- CATL Battery-Swapping Stations: 2,520
- Peak Daily Swaps at Single Station: 311
- Compatible Models: BAIC Arcfox S3, BAIC EU8, GAC Aion UT Sport, GAC Aion RT Super, GAC Aion S (battery swapping), Changan Oshan 520, FAW Hongqi E-QM5, JMEV Yichi 05
- CATL Global Battery Market Share: 39.2%
- CATL 2025 Revenue: $63.3B (~AUD 90.1B)
Images sourced from: electrichunter.com, ttnews.com
