CATL has announced plans to expand its battery after-sales service network to 100 cities worldwide by the end of 2026. The initiative will see the company operate directly-run service centres featuring robotic automation, aiming to significantly reduce EV battery repair times. This move is part of CATL’s broader strategy to make battery repairs faster, more affordable, and accessible to a wider range of new energy vehicles.
CATL’s Global Expansion Plans
At its ‘Ning Day 2026’ event in Haikou, China, CATL revealed that it will expand its directly-run ‘Ning Service’ centres to 100 cities globally in the second half of 2026. Currently, eight such centres are operational across China, with two additional international locations in Norway and Istanbul.
‘Ning Service’ also manages 1,376 franchised service centres across 84 countries and is responsible for servicing 1,505 battery swap stations within CATL’s Choco-SEB ecosystem.
Automated Repairs and Reduced Downtime
CATL’s new service centres will use robotic automation for diagnostics and repairs, with a goal of completing most repairs within 72 hours. The company aims to move away from the traditional ‘replacement-only’ approach by offering ‘targeted precision repairs.’
CATL was among the first major battery manufacturers to introduce cell-to-pack (CTP) repair services, allowing for the replacement of individual battery cells instead of entire packs. The company’s repair-line robots are capable of cutting, painting, and applying adhesive to battery packs without human intervention.
Service Accessibility and Cost Reduction
Initially, CATL’s repair services were limited to NEVs equipped with its own batteries. The latest announcement confirms that the new centres are now open to all NEVs, regardless of battery origin. Automated processes are being implemented to further speed up repairs.
CATL has pledged to reduce repair costs tenfold, from $14,799 (~AUD 20,967) to $1,480 (~AUD 2,097). However, specific pricing for different models and failures has not been disclosed.
Mobile Repair Trucks and Service Coverage
At the event, CATL showcased its fleet of pure electric mobile repair trucks, each rated for up to 800 km (~497 miles) of range. These trucks are equipped to perform ’30 diagnostic items’ and carry out ’50 kinds of repairs’, covering up to 90% of non-deep-repair scenarios.
According to ‘Ning Service’, the use of these trucks can reduce repair times from 72 to 48 hours.
Industry Impact and Market Reach
‘Ning Service’ claims to have contributed to the development of over 70 domestic standards in China’s EV repair sector. With its latest expansion, the network can now service 76.8% of NEV models sold in China, up from 47% previously.
CATL remains China’s largest battery manufacturer, with 32.59 GWh of installed capacity in June 2026 and a 43.2% domestic market share. The company is also the world’s largest battery supplier, providing cells to both Chinese and international automakers.
Why this matters
As EV adoption grows, concerns about battery lifespan, degradation, and repair costs remain significant for many buyers. CATL’s expansion of its repair network and introduction of automated, rapid repair solutions could help address these concerns and make EV ownership more appealing.
By offering faster, more affordable repairs and extending service coverage to more NEV models, CATL is positioning itself as a leader in after-sales support for the global EV market.
What this means for buyers
For current and prospective EV owners, CATL’s expanded service network may lead to lower repair costs and reduced downtime in the event of battery issues. Buyers should look for NEVs compatible with CATL’s repair services or inquire about coverage for their specific model.
As the network grows, access to reliable and efficient battery repairs is likely to improve, making EVs a more practical choice for a wider range of consumers.
Key Specs
- Targeted Cities by End of 2026: 100
- Directly-Run Service Centres (as of August 2026): 8 in China, 2 international
- Franchised Service Centres: 1,376 across 84 countries
- Battery Swap Stations Serviced: 1,505
- Repair Cost Reduction Pledge: $14,799 (~AUD 20,967) to $1,480 (~AUD 2,097)
- Mobile Repair Truck Range: 800 km (~497 miles)
- Models Covered in China: 76.8% of NEV models
Source
Images sourced from: carnewschina.com, catl.com, lifepo4-battery.com
