CATL Plans Over 2,500 Battery Swap Stations Across China by 2026 Driving EV Charging Revolution

CATL, China’s leading battery manufacturing company, has outlined an ambitious expansion plan to significantly develop its battery swap station network across China and eventually into Europe, with targets set for 2026 and beyond. As of October 2025, CATL has already installed over 700 swap stations spanning 39 Chinese cities, and it aims to escalate this figure to more than 2,500 stations by the end of 2026.

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Current Status and Short-term Goals

The company has made rapid progress, with its network expanding by hundreds of stations in a short period. The goal is to reach 1,000 stations by the end of 2025, which is a critical milestone in its strategic expansion. These stations are part of the broader EVOGO brand, launched in early 2022, which facilitates quick and standardized battery swaps that take less than 2 minutes—comparable to refueling a traditional gasoline car.

Long-term Vision and Expansion Strategy

Looking ahead, CATL’s vision is to establish an extensive battery swap ecosystem, with a long-term target of 30,000 stations. This network is planned to be built through a combination of corporate-owned stations, co-built facilities with partners like GAC, Changan, FAW, and Sinopec, and collaborative efforts across the industry. CATL’s strategic roadmap involves expanding its footprint not just domestically but also internationally, with plans to introduce its swap stations into European markets.

Standardized Battery Packs and Ecosystem

In December 2024, CATL launched standardized battery packs (Choco-SEB #20 and #25), designed to streamline swapping processes across different vehicle models and brands. The standardized design promotes interoperability, allowing multiple car brands to benefit from the same infrastructure. This aligns with CATL’s broader goal to make battery swapping a versatile, scalable, and convenient energy supplement for EV owners.

Strategic Collaborations

CATL has entered into numerous strategic partnerships to facilitate the expansion. Notably, in April 2025, CATL signed an agreement with Sinopec to develop a nationwide network of at least 500 swap stations by the end of 2025, aiming for as many as 10,000 stations in the long run. Sinopec’s extensive gas station network provides a substantial platform for deploying swap stations, making it convenient for EV owners to access quick battery replacements alongside traditional refueling services.

Technological Innovation

The company’s battery swap stations utilize advanced automation and high-capacity battery modules, with each station equipped to swap batteries in around 100 seconds, ensuring a quick turnaround that rivals traditional refueling times. The swap system employs high wheelbase compatibility, making it suitable for a wide range of passenger vehicles—ranging from compact city cars to larger SUVs—enhancing its appeal across diverse market segments.

Market Impact and Competitive Edge

CATL’s rapid infrastructure build-out positions it as a formidable rival to existing players in China like Nio, which already has over 2,500 swap stations. With its vast manufacturing capacity and technological expertise, CATL aims not only to dominate China’s battery swap sector but also to expand globally, especially into Europe, where it seeks to develop a network of over 30,000 stations by 2030. This global expansion will shape the future landscape of EV energy infrastructure, providing flexible, fast, and accessible battery replacement solutions.

Future Outlook

By 2026, CATL envisions that its battery swap stations will become a cornerstone of EV infrastructure, representing a significant shift in how electric vehicles are charged and maintained. The network’s growth is supported by innovations in battery standardization, automation, and industry collaborations, all aimed at making battery swapping a mainstream alternative to traditional charging methods.

Overall, CATL’s steady progress and future strategies underscore its leadership ambitions and its pivotal role in advancing EV adoption, sustainability, and convenience across China and internationally.