CATL, Sinopec Join Hands To Build Battery Swapping Stations

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) have signed a cooperation framework agreement in Beijing, committing to a long-term partnership to develop a nationwide battery-swapping ecosystem. Under the agreement, the companies plan to complete at least 500 battery swap stations this year, with a long-term goal of reaching 10,000 stations.

Expanding collaboration in energy infrastructure

CATL and Sinopec have previously collaborated on the construction and operation of integrated energy stations, energy storage, new materials, and technological innovation. The new agreement aims to expand their partnership into the battery swap sector, leveraging each company’s strengths.

During the signing ceremony, CATL subsidiaries CAES and QIJI Energy signed a Battery Swapping Business Cooperation Agreement with Sinopec Sales Co., Ltd. The companies will jointly work toward the “10,000 Battery Swap Stations Vision,” creating an integrated service network connecting “People, Vehicles, Energy, and Life.” This initiative is expected to contribute to China’s “dual-carbon” goals.

Sinopec, with its extensive gas station network and energy infrastructure expertise, and CATL, with its advanced battery technology and swap systems, will collaborate to construct and operate the battery swap stations. The companies will rely on CATL’s Choco-Swap and QiJi battery-swapping solutions to develop a more efficient and cost-effective energy replenishment network.

Battery swapping to rival refueling convenience

“The trend toward full electrification in the automotive industry is becoming increasingly clear, and the market demands a more complete energy supply network. CATL hopes to make battery swapping as convenient as refueling through this cooperation with Sinopec, a mission and vision shared by battery swap players,” said Yang Jun, CEO of CATL’s battery-swapping arm, CAES.

CAES, using Choco-Swap technology, has partnered with major automakers to launch battery-swappable models such as the Changan Oshan 520, Aion S, and FAW Hongqi EQM5. Meanwhile, QiJi Energy has collaborated with truck manufacturers, including Sinotruk, Jiefang, Foton, and DeepWay, to introduce more than 30 commercial vehicle models featuring chassis battery swapping solutions.