Summary
- CATL plans to launch one new car model with standardized Choco-SEB battery packs every quarter for the next 10 quarters
- The #20 and #25 Choco-SEB battery packs were unveiled, designed for different EV classes with different chemistries
- CATL aims to have battery swap stations built by its subsidiary and partners, with a goal of 30,000 swap stations in the long term
- Battery swap service adopts a battery as a service strategy, where customers rent the battery instead of purchasing it
- CATL is partnering with various companies to launch EV models using the Choco-SEB technology, with ambitious infrastructure plans for battery swapping technology
Article
CATL recently unveiled two standardized Choco-SEB battery packs and announced plans to launch one new car model using these packs with partners in each of the next 10 quarters. The Chinese battery company introduced standardized battery packs for passenger cars and outlined ambitious infrastructure plans during a conference at its headquarters in Xiamen. These standardized packs are part of the EVOGO battery swap brand, operated by a subsidiary called Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology. The packs, known as #20 and #25, are designed for different types of electric vehicles and offer varying ranges based on their capacity and chemistry.
CATL’s founder, chairman, and CEO, Robin Zeng, emphasized the importance of standardizing swappable battery packs for electric cars. He believes that by 2030, battery swapping, home charging, and public charging stations will each serve one-third of the needs of electric car owners. The #20 and #25 Choco-SEB packs cater to different vehicle classes and come in both lithium iron phosphate and lithium ternary options. Pricing for renting these battery packs ranges from $51 to $82 per month, depending on the capacity and mileage options chosen. CATL has already secured subscription orders for over 100,000 Choco-SEB batteries with various companies, including Changan Automobile and China FAW Group.
In addition to launching new car models with partners, CATL aims to expand its battery swap infrastructure, with plans to reach 1,000 swap stations next year and 10,000 stations in the medium term. The company’s long-term goal is to establish 30,000 battery swap stations to support its business model. While CATL is not the only company pursuing battery swapping technology, it has made significant strides in this area, especially with its EVOGO swap stations that can change a battery pack in just 100 seconds. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of battery swapping make it an attractive option for fleet vehicles, such as taxis and commercial trucks, which operate on fixed routes and require quick turnaround times.
The CEO of CATL, Robin Zeng, predicts that battery swapping, together with home and public charging, will play a significant role in the electric vehicle market by 2030. While some believe that charging will dominate, others see battery swapping as a key part of the infrastructure landscape, especially for fleet operations. The elimination of separate charging costs, access to the latest battery technology, and the assurance of battery quality and warranty coverage make battery swapping an appealing choice for many drivers. CATL will initially focus on deploying its swap service with fleets before expanding to individual drivers, ensuring a gradual and effective rollout of the technology.
CATL’s battery swap technology, supported by the EVOGO brand and standardized Choco-SEB packs, represents a strategic shift towards standardized, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for electric vehicles. By partnering with major automakers and expanding its infrastructure, CATL aims to establish itself as a key player in the battery swapping market. With competitive pricing, advanced technology, and a focus on customer convenience, CATL is well-positioned to drive the adoption of battery swapping as a viable alternative to traditional charging methods. As the company continues to develop its technology and partnerships, the future of battery swapping in the electric vehicle industry looks promising and could significantly impact the way drivers power their vehicles in the coming years.
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