CATL, the world’s largest automotive battery manufacturer, has introduced its new ‘Choco-SEB’ battery packs, aiming to revolutionise electric vehicle (EV) adoption through battery swapping. The company has also outlined plans to release ten vehicles using these batteries, with one model launching every quarter over the next 2.5 years in collaboration with its partners.
Compact and Mid-Sized EV Compatibility
The Choco-SEB batteries come in two variants, #20 and #25, tailored to different vehicle sizes. The #20 pack is designed for A0-class cars with wheelbases between 2.2 and 2.3 metres, while the #25 pack suits A- and B-class vehicles with wheelbases ranging from 2.3 to 2.7 metres. Although A0-class cars are less common in China, the A- and B-class segments include popular models slightly larger than the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.
Both variants are available with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistries:
- #20 Pack
- 42 kWh (LFP) offering 400 km range
- 52 kWh (NMC) offering 500 km range
- #25 Pack
- 56 kWh (LFP) offering 500 km range
- 70 kWh (NMC) offering 600 km range
Shift to a Single-Pack Design
CATL’s earlier concept for the Choco batteries featured modular configurations, allowing users to combine packs for extended range. The new Choco-SEB packs, however, adopt a single-pack design. Vehicles such as the Changan Oshan 520, unveiled during a recent partnership signing ceremony with Changan and CATL subsidiary CAES, are equipped to utilise this technology.
Expanding Battery Swap Infrastructure
CATL plans to establish 1,000 battery swap stations by the end of 2025. While this is fewer than NIO’s 2,900+ stations currently operating in China, CATL aims to expand further, targeting 10,000 stations in the medium term and 30,000 in the long term. The company envisions battery swapping as a key component of EV charging, alongside home and public charging, by 2030.
Subscription Model and Pricing
To reduce the upfront cost of EV ownership and address concerns about battery degradation, CATL offers a subscription model. Owners can rent batteries monthly:
- #20 Pack
- RMB 369 (£40 / USD $51) for up to 3,000 km
- RMB 469 (£51 / USD $64) for unlimited mileage
- #25 Pack
- RMB 499 (£54 / USD $68) for up to 3,000 km
- RMB 599 (£65 / USD $82) for unlimited mileage
Strong Industry Adoption
Over 30 companies have placed subscription orders for 107,500 Choco-SEB batteries. Many of these firms, including Changan and FAW (makers of Hongqi), are members of CATL’s battery swap alliance. This collaboration positions CATL’s technology at the centre of the EV ecosystem, with the first ten models featuring these batteries set to launch over the next ten quarters.
Aiming for Standardisation
By standardising battery sizes and fostering collaboration with automakers, CATL is driving innovation in EV infrastructure. Its ambitious expansion of swap stations and partnerships signals a significant step towards making battery swapping a mainstream solution for EVs worldwide.
