On November 22, Changan Automobile announced a strategic partnership with CATL and its subsidiary Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology (CAES) to advance battery swap technology. The agreement, formalized in a ceremony in Chongqing, highlighted the growing collaboration between automakers and battery technology providers in reshaping electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
At the event, Changan unveiled the Oshan 520, an electric sedan equipped with CATL’s Choco-SEB (Swapping Electric Block) battery swap system. The vehicle offers ride-sharing operators the ability to replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one in under two minutes, providing a range of up to 500 kilometers. The battery swap technology could significantly enhance operational efficiency for EV fleets by saving over two hours of charging time daily, according to Changan.
In addition to time savings, the solution reduces initial vehicle purchase costs by 35% and cuts insurance expenses by more than 10%, making it an attractive option for fleet operators. Over a six-year ownership period, Changan claims the cost savings could be equivalent to purchasing a new car.
CATL launched its EVOGO battery swap brand in January 2022, promoting its modular Choco-SEB system that accommodates varying range requirements by allowing vehicles to use one or multiple battery packs. The Oshan 520, which entered regulatory filings in October, signals CATL’s efforts to expand battery swap adoption in shared mobility and commercial vehicle markets.
Changan also signed agreements with cab business partners at the event to facilitate adoption of the battery swap-enabled Oshan 520, though specific order volumes were not disclosed. This partnership aligns with CATL’s recent collaborations, including one with SAIC-GM-Wuling for logistics vehicles, as the battery maker seeks to strengthen its position in the battery swap ecosystem.
