Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 3, CATL, a leading battery manufacturer, and Sinopec, a major energy company, signed a framework agreement in Beijing to deepen their strategic partnership, as announced in a CATL press release on WeChat on April 2. The collaboration focuses on creating a nationwide battery swap network across China.

The agreement outlines plans to construct at least 500 battery swap stations this year, with an ambitious target of expanding to 10,000 stations in the long term. This builds on their existing joint efforts in areas like integrated energy stations, energy storage, new materials, and technological advancements. Both companies aim to combine their expertise to drive progress in the battery swap industry.

At the signing event, CATL subsidiaries—Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology Ltd. (CAES) and CATL QIJI Energy—entered into a separate deal with Sinopec Sales Company to enhance battery swapping services. Under the “10,000 Stations Plan,” they will develop a service ecosystem integrating transportation, energy, and everyday convenience. This initiative seeks to offer scalable, standardised solutions that support China’s carbon neutrality objectives.

The partnership leverages Sinopec’s extensive refueling network and CATL’s advanced battery technology. They will deploy CATL’s Choco-Swap system for passenger vehicles and the QIJI chassis battery swap solution for heavy-duty trucks. These innovations aim to address range constraints, providing a more efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective energy replenishment system.

A CATL representative stated: “We are committed to innovation, ensuring high-quality batteries and advanced swapping solutions enhance the driving experience in the era of smart mobility.” CAES has already partnered with major automakers to introduce battery swap-compatible models, such as the Changan Oshan 520, AION S, and Hongqi EQM5, all using the Choco-Swap system. Meanwhile, CATL QIJI has worked with truck makers like Sinotruk, FAW Jiefang, FOTON, and DeepWay, launching over 30 heavy-duty truck models compatible with the QIJI system.

This collaboration strengthens the foundation for a nationwide battery swap network, combining infrastructure and technology to meet growing demand. By integrating their resources, CATL and Sinopec aim to improve energy access for both passenger and commercial vehicles, contributing to sustainable mobility in China.