CATL’s First 100-Second Swappable EV Batteries Debut, Proving How Far Ahead China Is

On May 25, Changan Automobile began delivering the first electric vehicles equipped with CATL’s new “Choco-SEB” swappable battery technology in China. The vehicle, named the Oshan 520, marks the debut of CATL’s ultra-fast battery swapping system. With a starting price of 166,800 yuan (approximately $23,100), the Oshan 520 offers a driving range of up to 515 kilometers under the CLTC standard and supports battery replacement in just 100 seconds.

During the official launch event, Changan announced that 1,000 units had already been delivered and confirmed that the model had received over 15,000 pre-orders. CATL emphasized the speed and convenience of the new technology, positioning it as comparable in efficiency to traditional fuel refueling.

To support this innovation, CATL has established 34 battery swap stations in Chongqing, the city where Changan is headquartered. The company plans to expand to over 50 stations in Chongqing by the end of 2025. Nationwide, CATL aims to build 1,000 swap stations across 31 cities by the end of the same year.

The Choco-SEB battery system was introduced in 2024 and is available in two variants to accommodate both smaller vehicles and larger A- or B-segment models. CATL and Changan had signed a formal agreement in November 2024 to develop and launch EVs based on this battery technology.

During the demonstration event, participants observed the battery swapping process, which was completed in approximately 100 seconds. This allows vehicles to regain a driving range of around 500 kilometers, highlighting the potential of the new system to reduce downtime and improve user experience.

Other major automotive manufacturers, including GAC, Chery, NIO, FAW, and BAIC, are also collaborating with CATL to integrate the Choco-SEB system into their future EV models. This broad cooperation reflects growing interest in expanding battery swapping infrastructure and increasing the convenience of electric mobility.

According to recent data from SNE Research, CATL held a 28.8% share of the global EV battery market in the first two months of 2025, an increase from 26.9% during the same period in the previous year. The data underscores CATL’s continued growth and influence in the sector.

With the introduction of the Choco-SEB battery system and increasing deployment of swap stations, CATL and its partners are aiming to advance the development of EV infrastructure in China, potentially setting new standards for battery charging and replacement efficiency worldwide.