CATL Targets 10,000 Battery Swap Stations in Three Years Amid Global Expansion

Ningde, China – Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world's largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, is aggressively expanding its battery-swapping infrastructure, aiming to establish 10,000 swap stations within the next three years. This ambitious strategy, highlighted by recent announcements, positions battery swapping as a significant pillar of EV energy replenishment, even as some observers, like Ethan Loosbrock, question its implications for future battery technology advancements.

CATL's battery swap solution, EVOGO, launched its second generation in December 2024 with standardized "Choco-SEB" battery packs. These modular packs, available in LFP and ternary chemistries, can be swapped in approximately 100 seconds at dedicated stations. The company's "Battery as a Service" (BaaS) model aims to lower the initial purchase cost of electric vehicles by separating the battery from the vehicle ownership.

The Chinese battery giant plans to build 1,000 swap stations in 2025, with a medium-term goal of 10,000 stations and a long-term vision of 30,000 facilities. This expansion includes a reported move into Europe, following its domestic success and partnerships. Notably, CATL has recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Nio, a pioneer in battery swapping, to jointly build what they aim to be the world's largest and most advanced battery swap service network.

CATL's CEO, Robin Zeng, believes that by 2030, battery swapping, home charging, and public charging will each fulfill one-third of EV owners' energy needs. This approach addresses common EV concerns such as range anxiety and long charging times, offering a rapid refueling alternative particularly beneficial for fleet vehicles like taxis. The company also emphasizes that this strategy facilitates battery recycling and tiered utilization, enhancing the overall economic value of batteries.

Despite these strategic moves, skepticism exists regarding the long-term role of battery swapping. As Ethan Loosbrock stated in a recent tweet, "> CATL believes battery-swapping to be the future, implying that batteries will not improve in energy density (and thus range). If they did believe range would improve, there would be no/less need for battery swapping and fast charging. They couldn't be more wrong." However, CATL continues to innovate in battery chemistry, offering varying energy densities in its Choco-SEB packs, suggesting that swapping is viewed as a complementary solution rather than a replacement for battery advancements. While high infrastructure costs and standardization remain challenges, CATL's significant capital and partnerships position it to drive the adoption of this alternative refueling method.