CATL changes the game with EV battery swapping: ambitious plan for thousands of stations
CATL, the world leader in electric vehicle batteries, has announced a revolutionary project that is set to dramatically improve the electric vehicle experience. Instead of waiting for a long time to recharge a battery, it will be possible to swap a dead battery for a fully charged one in just 100 seconds. This new approach not only saves time, but also offers a solution for drivers without access to charging stations at home or on the road.
The project is called Choco-Swap and aims to create a standardised battery system that will be compatible with different models of electric vehicles. CATL plans to work with nearly 100 partners to build an extensive network of swap stations. The first 1,000 stations are to be built in China within the next year, with a long-term goal of 30,000 stations. This ambitious plan does not yet have a fixed time horizon, but is expected to progress rapidly thanks to the support of leading car manufacturers.
How will the stations work?
The Choco-Swap stations will be able to serve electric cars with different wheelbase sizes, from 2.55 to 3.1 metres. Each station will be equipped with a supply of 14 to 30 batteries ready for immediate replacement. The technology has been tested with a 99.99% success rate, demonstrating the high reliability of the system. In addition to the replacement itself, the stations will be able to contribute to the stability of the energy grid by supplying power to the grid when needed, thanks to B2G (Battery-to-Grid) technology.The stations will also have a high capacity – up to 33.6 million kWh – making them not only a practical tool for EV users, but also an important element of the energy infrastructure. This project is therefore seen as a step towards not only greater convenience for drivers but also more efficient use of renewable energy overall.
New battery standards
CATL has already introduced two new battery standards, designated #20 and #25. These batteries are available in two chemistries – LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and NMC (nickel manganese cobalt). LFP batteries are more affordable and have a longer lifetime, while NMC batteries are characterized by higher energy density and longer range.
The #20 battery in the LFP version has a capacity of 42 kWh and allows a range of up to 400 km, while the NMC version offers a capacity of 52 kWh with a range of around 500 km. For the larger #25 battery, the LFP version has a capacity of 56 kWh with a range of up to 500 km, while the NMC version provides 70 kWh and a range of around 600 km. These standards should ensure that most EVs will be compatible with swap stations, making them much easier to use.
Partnership and the future
Several major Chinese automotive brands such as GAC, BAIC, Wuling, Changen and FAW have joined the Choco-Swap project. These companies will work together to unify standards and ensure compatibility of their vehicles with the swap stations. It is likely that the list of partners will grow in the future, increasing the availability of this technology.
China is currently the leader in battery exchange stations. For example, Nio already operates more than 2 500 such stations, some of which are located in Europe, specifically in Germany. However, battery exchange stations are still rather rare in Europe, which raises the question of whether CATL plans to expand into this market.
The importance for electromobility
The Choco-Swap project is not only a technological breakthrough, but also an important step towards wider adoption of electric vehicles. Rapid battery swapping addresses one of the biggest barriers to electro-mobility – time-consuming charging. In addition, battery standardisation can reduce the cost of manufacturing and maintaining EVs, which benefits both carmakers and consumers.
This ambitious plan has the potential to become a model for other countries and regions where EV infrastructure still lags behind. If CATL succeeds in spreading the technology beyond China, it could revolutionise how people use EVs around the world.
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