TECH – China has introduced a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping technology capable of fully replacing a battery in just 100 seconds, rivaling the speed of traditional gasoline refueling. This innovation, developed by battery giant CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited), is poised to revolutionize EV charging infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of electric mobility.
The Choco-SEB battery pack, CATL’s latest advancement, debuted in the Changan Automobile Oshan 520 sedan. This model, primarily targeted at taxi fleets, has already seen the delivery of 1,000 units, with over 15,000 orders placed. Priced at approximately $23,100, the Oshan 520 offers a driving range of up to 320 miles (515 km) and supports ultra-fast battery swapping, making it an attractive option for commercial operators.
Unlike conventional EV charging methods, which can take hours, CATL’s battery swapping system allows drivers to replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one in under two minutes. This rapid process is facilitated through specialized swapping stations, eliminating the need for prolonged charging sessions and reducing downtime for drivers.
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Currently, 34 Choco-SEB battery swapping stations are operational in Chongqing, with plans to expand to 1,000 stations across 31 major Chinese cities by the end of 2025. This extensive network aims to support a wide range of EVs from manufacturers such as GAC, Chery, NIO, SAIC, FAW, and BAIC, all of which are collaborating with CATL to integrate this technology into their vehicles.
The implementation of this swift battery swapping system is particularly beneficial for high-utilization vehicles like taxis and ride-hailing services, where minimizing downtime is crucial. By enabling rapid battery replacement, operators can maintain continuous service without the delays associated with traditional charging.
CATL’s innovation underscores China’s leadership in EV technology and infrastructure development. As the global demand for efficient and convenient EV solutions grows, China’s advancements in battery swapping technology may set new standards for the industry worldwide.
Source: SINDONews
