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Chinese battery giant CATL and energy company Sinopec have teamed up to transform the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in China. The two firms recently signed a cooperation agreement in Beijing to develop a nationwide network of battery swap stations. This initiative aims to make EV charging as fast and convenient as filling up a gas tank, addressing a key barrier to EV adoption.
Key Highlights:
- CATL and Sinopec plan to build at least 500 battery swap stations this year and up to 10,000 in the long term.
- The partnership combines Sinopec’s vast gas station network with CATL’s cutting-edge battery technology.
- The project supports China’s “dual-carbon” goals to reduce emissions.
- Stations will serve both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks.
- Compatible EV models are being developed with major automakers.
The agreement represents a major advancement in China’s EV infrastructure. CATL, the world’s top battery maker, and Sinopec, a leading energy provider, are collaborating to create a robust battery-swapping ecosystem. By the end of this year, they intend to establish 500 battery swap stations nationwide, with a long-term goal of expanding to 10,000 stations. This network will provide EV owners with widespread, accessible charging options.
Building on prior joint efforts in energy stations, storage, materials, and innovation, CATL and Sinopec are now focusing on battery swapping. Their combined strengths—Sinopec’s extensive infrastructure and CATL’s advanced Choco-Swap and QiJi solutions—will drive the rollout of these stations. The partnership also aligns with China’s “dual-carbon” goals, targeting peak emissions by 2030 and neutrality by 2060, while creating a service network integrating “People, Vehicles, Energy, and Life.”
The stations will cater to passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, easing range concerns. CATL has teamed up with automakers like Changan, Aion, and FAW Hongqi for passenger models, and with Sinotruk, Jiefang, Foton, and DeepWay for over 30 truck models with chassis swapping. Yang Jun, CEO of CATL’s CAES subsidiary, noted, “CATL aims to make battery swapping as convenient as refueling,” reflecting a shared vision with Sinopec.
This collaboration sets a foundation for a standardized battery-swapping system in China, offering a model for global energy transition.
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