Chinese vehicle manufacturer JAC Group and battery producer CATL, along with its subsidiary EVOGO, have completed the first integrated battery swapping test for commercial vehicles using the Choco-SEB platform. The test achieved a full battery exchange in 150 seconds, according to the companies, which plan to expand the technology across China.
The new system is designed to deliver fast battery replacement, cost efficiency, and compatibility with a variety of vehicle types. The approach is part of an ongoing collaboration between JAC and CATL, which aims to reduce vehicle downtime and lifecycle costs while supporting broader electric vehicle (EV) adoption in logistics, retail, and urban transportation sectors.
Battery swapping is increasingly seen as a practical alternative to conventional charging infrastructure, particularly for commercial applications. It allows rapid energy replenishment, avoids long charging times, and enables centralized management of battery reuse and recycling. For automakers, it also offers the flexibility to upgrade battery technology without affecting the vehicle’s core architecture.
JAC and CATL reportedly plan to install up to 1,000 battery swapping stations across China by the end of 2025, with longer-term goals of reaching 10,000 and eventually 30,000 sites. According to industry publication China Trucks, 27 cities in China already have operational swapping stations.
In support of the initiative, JAC has announced three electric vehicle models compatible with the Choco-SEB platform that will launch in the second half of 2025. These include the EV5 for cold-chain and intercity delivery, the Kaida EX6 for last-mile and grocery services, and the Van Balu V10 targeting short-range retail and logistics, each featuring 56 to 81 kWh battery capacities.
Battery swapping for commercial fleets is gaining momentum globally. In Japan, U.S.-based Ample recently expanded its swapping operations in Tokyo through a partnership with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors, and Yamato Transport.
CATL, already active in the passenger EV battery swapping segment through its earlier collaboration with Nio, is accelerating its expansion in the commercial vehicle space. In early 2025, CATL partnered with oil major Sinopec to deploy at least 500 swapping stations for electric cars and heavy-duty trucks, with a target of reaching 10,000 locations over time.
