CATL unveils 10 new battery swap models with 5 major Chinese automakers

Leading battery manufacturer CATL showcased advancements in its battery swapping ecosystem today at the Auto Shanghai 2025, unveiling 10 new electric vehicle models from five major Chinese automakers designed to be compatible with its “Choco-SEB” (Chocolate Swapping Electric Block) system.

During a dedicated event at the auto show, CATL executives, including Chairman and CEO Robin Zeng, were joined by top representatives from FAW Group, Changan Auto, BAIC Group, Chery Auto, and GAC Group to reveal the new swap-enabled models. Simultaneously, CATL and GAC Group signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement.

The 10 newly announced models supporting CATL’s Choco-SEB system cover diverse segments, including executive sedans, family vehicles, and youth-oriented commuters:

• FAW Hongqi: Introduced the EH7, its first Choco-SEB compatible B+-segment sedan.
• Changan Auto: Presented the affordable Qiyuan A05 sedan, the mid-to-large Qiyuan A07 sedan, and the Deepal SL03 sports sedan.
• BAIC Group: Revealed a high-quality, wide-body electric family sedan under its Arcfox brand.
• Chery Auto: Showcased the iCAR V23, described as the first “square box” style vehicle (likely a compact, rugged SUV) compatible with Choco-SEB.
• GAC Group (Aion): Announced that the Aion UT, Aion RT, the smart driving SUV Aion V “Tyrannosaurus,” and an upcoming A-segment SUV will all feature Choco-SEB compatible versions.

GAC Group’s partnership marks the first comprehensive collaboration with an automaker across the entire Choco-SEB ecosystem. The cooperation extends beyond integrating the standard into more GAC models to include joint efforts in swap station construction, battery banking services, marketing swap-enabled vehicles, and second-life battery utilization.

Standardization and New Battery Blocks

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Last December, addressing the need for standardization, CATL Chairman and CEO Robin Zeng announced the introduction of two standardized Choco-SEB sizes, drawing an analogy to 92# and 95# gasoline grades. Named the “20#” and “25#” blocks, each size will be available with different capacities using either LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) or Ternary (likely NMC/NCA) chemistries, offering users “power on demand.”

Yang Jun, CEO of CATL’s wholly-owned subsidiary Times Electric Service, provided details:

• 20# Block (for A0-segment EVs):
  • LFP: 42 kWh, 400 km range
  • Ternary: 52 kWh, 500 km range
• 25# Block (for A/B-segment EVs):
  • LFP: 56 kWh, 500 km range
  • Ternary: 70 kWh, 600 km range

This approach allows users to select battery capacity based on their needs, shifting from purchasing the entire battery pack to a usage-based subscription model. CATL revealed indicative monthly subscription pricing for the LFP versions in RMB:

• 25# LFP: 599 yuan or 82 USD (unlimited mileage) / 499 yuan or 69 USD (≤3000 km)
• 20# LFP: 469 yuan or 64 USD (unlimited mileage) / 369 yuan or 51 USD (≤3000 km)

CATL reported its Choco-SEB network is already operational in 16 cities and aims to reach 1000 stations across 30 cities by the end of 2025. Existing collaborations with partners like Sinopec, Nio, Didi, and support from transport authorities are expected to foster a more convenient, economical, and safe refueling ecosystem, realizing the vision of a “two-minute swap for full range.”

Robin Zeng emphasized CATL’s commitment, stating, “All future CATL battery innovations will be applied to Choco-SEB models.” He envisions a future where battery swapping, home charging, and public charging stations will coexist as the primary methods for EV energy replenishment.