Aistaland, the premium electric vehicle brand co-developed by GAC and Huawei, is reportedly preparing to launch battery swap-enabled models through a new partnership with CATL. This move would make Aistaland the latest brand to join the growing battery swap ecosystem in China, leveraging CATL’s extensive Choco swap network.
Aistaland’s Battery Swap Ambitions
Aistaland is emerging as a key player in the battery swap partnership between Huawei’s automotive division and CATL. According to reports, the brand already has plans for battery swap-capable vehicles, though the number of models, launch timing, and battery specifications have not been officially disclosed.
Aistaland is jointly developed by Huawei Qiankun and GAC, with a dedicated Huawei team working in Guangzhou alongside GAC to define and develop new vehicles. The collaboration is described by Huawei senior vice president and Newcool CEO Jin Yuzhi as more than a typical supplier relationship, with Huawei providing GAC access to its core interfaces and tuning data.
Integration with CATL’s Choco Swap Network
The news follows the recent announcement of a strategic cooperation agreement between Huawei’s Newcool, CATL, and Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology (CAES), which will see partner models equipped with Huawei Qiankun solutions adapted for CATL’s Choco swap network. While specific models and launch dates have not been confirmed, Aistaland is positioned to be among the first to benefit from this integration.
CATL’s Choco swap network currently includes 2,520 battery swap stations across 200 cities in China as of September 29, 2026. The company aims to expand this to 30,000 stations in the long term, with 1,000 new highway battery swap stations planned between 2026 and 2027.
Aistaland’s Current Lineup and Sales Performance
Aistaland has launched two models to date: the GT7 shooting brake, which went on sale on June 26, and the GX7, an extended-range SUV with CATL-supplied batteries, launched on September 23. The brand’s sales have shown a slow ramp-up, with 2,658 vehicles sold in July, dropping to 1,100 in August, and rising slightly to 1,375 in September, according to GAC figures.
Competitor Comparison
Aistaland’s entry into the battery swap segment places it in competition with other Chinese EV brands exploring similar technology, such as NIO, which has established its own battery swap network. Unlike some competitors that build proprietary swap stations, Aistaland will leverage CATL’s public infrastructure, potentially accelerating its rollout and improving convenience for customers.
Historical Context
Battery swapping has gained traction in China as a solution to reduce charging times and improve EV convenience, especially for urban drivers and fleet operators. CATL’s rapid expansion of its swap network reflects growing industry interest, with the company targeting a significant increase in station coverage over the next year.
Why this matters
Aistaland’s adoption of battery swap technology through CATL’s network could lower barriers for EV adoption by reducing wait times for charging and offering greater flexibility for users. The partnership also demonstrates the increasing collaboration between major Chinese automotive and technology firms to accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
What this means for buyers
For prospective EV buyers in China, Aistaland’s integration with CATL’s battery swap network could offer a more convenient ownership experience, especially in regions with dense station coverage. Buyers should monitor upcoming announcements for specific model details and launch dates, as well as compare Aistaland’s offerings with other brands utilizing battery swap technology.
Key Specs
- Number of battery swap stations (as of September 29, 2026): 2,520
- Cities covered by CATL swap network: 200
- Aistaland sales (July 2026): 2,658
- Aistaland sales (August 2026): 1,100
- Aistaland sales (September 2026): 1,375
- CATL long-term station target: 30,000
- Planned new highway swap stations (2026-2027): 1,000
Images sourced from: cnevpost.com, truemotionauto.com, businessinsider.com
