CATL plans to build over 2,500 swap stations by end-2026
Overview of CATL’s Battery Swap Station Expansion
Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) is spearheading a major evolution in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by planning to build over 2,500 battery swap stations across more than 120 cities in China by the end of 2026. This marks a significant 1.5-times increase from its current network size, further solidifying CATL’s role as a leader in fast-charging solutions and battery technology. By providing rapid battery swapping, CATL aims to remove range anxiety and make EV ownership more practical and convenient.
Current Progress and Short-term Goals
As of late 2025, CATL has successfully installed 700 swap stations across 39 cities in China. This rapid deployment reflects aggressive scaling under its EVOGO brand launched in 2022, which offers a unique “Choco-SEB” standardized battery pack system designed for rapid interchangeability. The company is on track to reach 1,000 stations by the end of 2025, a milestone signaling increasing adoption and trust in battery swapping technology.
The Technology Behind CATL’s Battery Swap Stations
CATL’s battery swap stations utilize advanced automation to replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones in just around 100 seconds—matching the convenience of refueling gasoline vehicles. Using robotic arms and efficient storage that holds up to 30 spare batteries, these stations ensure high service reliability and a smooth user experience. The standardized battery packs (#20 and #25) facilitate compatibility across various EV models, promoting seamless swapping and operational scalability.
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Strategic Partnerships Accelerating Expansion
A cornerstone of CATL’s expansion is its strategic partnership with Sinopec, China’s largest petroleum company. Sinopec plans to incorporate CATL’s swap stations into its enormous network of over 32,000 fuel stations, aiming for 500 co-built swap stations by the end of 2025 and envisioning up to 10,000 nationwide in the long term. This integration blends the legacy fuel infrastructure with next-generation EV energy solutions, greatly enhancing accessibility and consumer confidence.
Market Impact and CATL’s Role in the EV Ecosystem
With over 40% market share in China’s NEV battery installations and strong financial results—RMB 104.2 billion in revenue and 41% net income growth in Q3 2025—CATL is positioned to dominate battery swapping in China and advance globally. The network competes directly with established players like Nio, which currently leads with over 2,500 swap stations. CATL’s technological edge, economy of scale, and partnerships empower it to surpass competitors while opening new markets such as Europe.
The Future Outlook for Battery Swapping and Energy Management
By 2030, CATL expects EV owners to use a diversified energy approach where battery swapping, home charging, and public charging each account for about a third of energy replenishment. Beyond delivering convenience, CATL’s stations serve as distributed energy storage, helping stabilize power grids through smart, cloud-connected management. This positions battery swapping not just as an EV enabler but as an integral part of renewable energy adoption and grid modernization.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for EV Adoption
CATL’s plan to install over 2,500 battery swap stations by 2026 represents a pivotal shift in electric mobility infrastructure. Their focus on standardized technology, automation, and strategic collaborations enables rapid deployment of a customer-friendly, scalable solution to the longstanding EV charging challenge. As CATL expands domestically and globally, its battery swapping ecosystem is set to accelerate EV adoption, support sustainable transport, and transform how electric vehicles are powered worldwide.
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