The first vehicles with CATL’s new ultra-fast swappable EV batteries are now being delivered in China. CATL’s new “Choco-SEB” battery pack can be swapped in 100 seconds, making it just as quick as filling up at a gas station. The new EV features ultra-fast charging and starts at under $24,000 as China widens its lead on the global auto industry.
First EV with CATL’s swappable batteries debuts
CATL’s new swappable batteries could make gas stations obsolete. After revealing the “Choco-SEB” batteries last year, the first vehicles powered by the new technology are now being delivered in China.
On May 25, Changan Automobile announced that it had delivered 1,000 Oshan 520 models, the first electric vehicle (EV) based on CATL’s Choco-SEB swappable batteries. During the event, Changan said the new vehicle has already secured over 15,000 orders from clients.
The Oshan 520 starts at 166,800 yuan in China ($23,100) with a CLTC driving range of up to 515 km (320 miles). It can also gain a full recharge in 100 seconds thanks to CATL’s new tech.
According to CATL, it has already established 34 Choco-SEB swap stations in Chongqing, Changan’s hometown. By the end of the year, it will have over 50 stations completed in the city.
In total, it aims to have 1,000 battery swap stations in 31 cities across China by the end of 2025. Changan and CATL signed an agreement in November 2024 to launch the first models based on the new tech.
Top comment by Beario
Almost feels like that lead is accelerating given the amount of progress the last few years. At this rate they will be energy independent in China in a very short time. It is every impressive considering the bickering about money that has to be done everywhere else before things even get started.
After the meeting, officials watched the battery replacement process. Within 100 seconds, the vehicle gains over 310 miles of range (500 km).
Several other major automakers, including GAC, Chery, NIO, FAW, and BAIC, are also partnering with CATL to launch vehicles based on its Choco-SEB.
CATL wants to make charging an EV as easy (or even easier) than filling up a gas vehicle. The battery giant released two “grades” last year, one for smaller cars and the other designed for larger A or B-class vehicles.
According to the latest data from SNE Research, CATL maintains a commanding lead in the global EV battery market, holding a 28.8% share through the first two months of 2025, up from 26.9% in the same period last year.
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