Main battery producer CATL showcased developments in its battery swapping ecosystem immediately on the Auto Shanghai 2025, unveiling 10 new electrical automobile fashions from 5 main Chinese language automakers designed to be suitable with its “Choco-SEB” (Chocolate Swapping Electrical Block) system.
Throughout a devoted occasion on the auto present, CATL executives, together with Chairman and CEO Robin Zeng, had been joined by high representatives from FAW Group, Changan Auto, BAIC Group, Chery Auto, and GAC Group to disclose the brand new swap-enabled fashions. Concurrently, CATL and GAC Group signed a complete strategic cooperation settlement.
The ten newly introduced fashions supporting CATL’s Choco-SEB system cowl numerous segments, together with government sedans, household automobiles, and youth-oriented commuters:
- FAW Hongqi: Launched the EH7, its first Choco-SEB suitable B+-segment sedan.
- Changan Auto: Offered the inexpensive Qiyuan A05 sedan, the mid-to-large Qiyuan A07 sedan, and the Deepal SL03 sports activities sedan.
- BAIC Group: Revealed a high-quality, wide-body electrical household sedan below its Arcfox model.
- Chery Auto: Showcased the iCAR V23, described as the primary “sq. field” model automobile (doubtless a compact, rugged SUV) suitable with Choco-SEB.
- GAC Group (Aion): Introduced that the Aion UT, Aion RT, the sensible driving SUV Aion V “Tyrannosaurus,” and an upcoming A-segment SUV will all characteristic Choco-SEB suitable variations.
GAC Group’s partnership marks the primary complete collaboration with an automaker throughout your complete Choco-SEB ecosystem. The cooperation extends past integrating the usual into extra GAC fashions to incorporate joint efforts in swap station building, battery banking providers, advertising and marketing swap-enabled automobiles, and second-life battery utilization.
Standardization and New Battery Blocks
Final December, addressing the necessity for standardization, CATL Chairman and CEO Robin Zeng introduced the introduction of two standardized Choco-SEB sizes, drawing an analogy to 92# and 95# gasoline grades. Named the “20#” and “25#” blocks, every dimension shall be out there with totally different capacities utilizing both LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) or Ternary (doubtless NMC/NCA) chemistries, providing customers “energy on demand.”
Yang Jun, CEO of CATL’s wholly-owned subsidiary Occasions Electrical Service, supplied particulars:
- 20# Block (for A0-segment EVs):
- LFP: 42 kWh, 400 km vary
- Ternary: 52 kWh, 500 km vary
- 25# Block (for A/B-segment EVs):
- LFP: 56 kWh, 500 km vary
- Ternary: 70 kWh, 600 km vary
This strategy permits customers to pick out battery capability based mostly on their wants, shifting from buying your complete battery pack to a usage-based subscription mannequin. CATL revealed indicative month-to-month subscription pricing for the LFP variations in RMB:
- 25# LFP: 599 yuan or 82 USD (limitless mileage) / 499 yuan or 69 USD (≤3000 km)
- 20# LFP: 469 yuan or 64 USD (limitless mileage) / 369 yuan or 51 USD (≤3000 km)
CATL reported its Choco-SEB community is already operational in 16 cities and goals to succeed in 1000 stations throughout 30 cities by the top of 2025. Current collaborations with companions like Sinopec, Nio, Didi, and assist from transport authorities are anticipated to foster a extra handy, economical, and secure refueling ecosystem, realizing the imaginative and prescient of a “two-minute swap for full vary.”
Robin Zeng emphasised CATL’s dedication, stating, “All future CATL battery improvements shall be utilized to Choco-SEB fashions.” He envisions a future the place battery swapping, residence charging, and public charging stations will coexist as the first strategies for EV power replenishment.
