Seres-backed Saidou Technology is exploring a battery-swapping partnership with CATL that could give its Aiva electric vehicle brand access to an established public energy-replenishment network.
Aiva is discussing battery swap cooperation with CATL, although the specific arrangements have not yet been finalized, LatePost reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The report did not disclose when the companies could finalize the agreement or which battery specifications would be used for the Aiva ME7, the brand’s first production model.
Aiva ME7 Launch Plans
The Aiva ME7 is scheduled to debut by the end of 2026, with pre-orders expected to begin in early 2027. The model is planned for sale in both China and overseas markets.
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Saidou is also preparing its retail network. The company’s first flagship store, located in a commercial district in Chongqing, is currently under construction as the brand prepares to begin retail operations.
Access to an existing battery-swapping network could be particularly valuable for a new EV brand. Instead of investing heavily in its own energy-replenishment infrastructure, Aiva could potentially use CATL’s established network to expand its early market coverage.
Potential Battery-Leasing Model
A battery swap arrangement could also support a battery-leasing business model, allowing Aiva to separate the cost of the battery from the vehicle purchase price.
Such an approach could lower the initial transaction cost for consumers while giving Aiva greater flexibility in setting vehicle prices.
Saidou unveiled the Aiva brand on June 9, saying its vehicles would mainly target the mainstream market above 200,000 yuan ($29,480). Selling the vehicle and battery separately could allow the brand to reduce the upfront price while maintaining its intended market positioning.
Seres and CATL Connections
Saidou, the operating entity behind Aiva, was previously known as Landian Technology and operated as a Seres subsidiary. The company completed a capital increase and ownership restructuring earlier this year.
Shaci Zhiyuan, backed by Chongqing state-owned capital, is Saidou’s largest shareholder with approximately 34.5%. Seres is the second-largest shareholder with about 32.96%, while CATL holds approximately 9.89% through an investment platform.
Seres provides Aiva with manufacturing, supply-chain, quality-control and engineering support. The Aiva ME7 is expected to be manufactured at Seres’ Phoenix plant.
CATL, meanwhile, provides battery technology as well as charging and battery-swapping support. The existing connections between the companies and their shareholders could provide a foundation for Aiva to adopt CATL’s battery-swapping technology.
CATL Expands Battery Swap Network
CATL has been rapidly expanding its battery-swapping infrastructure in China. As of June 30, the company had built 2,000 Choco swap stations across 31 provinces and 180 cities, according to figures previously released by CATL.
The battery maker has maintained its target of operating more than 3,000 Choco swap stations by the end of 2026. It also plans to expand cross-brand compatibility through standardized battery specifications.
CATL initially introduced two standardized battery packs for different passenger-vehicle classes, known as 20# and 25#. It later introduced the 26# swap battery for larger vehicles on April 21.
The 26# battery uses an 800-volt high-voltage architecture. Its initial version has a 75-kWh capacity and is designed to support vehicles in the B- to C-segment range.
Growing Battery Swap Ecosystem
CATL has also announced plans to establish a shared ultrafast-charging and battery-swapping network with Seres, Changan Automobile, Chery, GAC Group, SAIC-GM-Wuling and BAIC.
Several automakers have already introduced vehicles compatible with CATL’s battery-swapping technology. Brands including GAC Aion, Changan and Arcfox have launched models using the system, indicating that CATL’s standardized approach is gaining adoption among vehicle manufacturers.
For Aiva, a partnership with CATL could provide access to this expanding ecosystem as the brand prepares to launch its first production model and establish a presence in China’s increasingly competitive EV market.
