CATL launches EV battery swapping business EVOGO in China

Global supplier of electric vehicle batteries Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has launched battery swapping operations in China under its subsidiary EVOGO. 

The company's first battery-swapping services began in Xiamen, in Fujian province, with the launch of four EVOGO swap stations on 18 April. CATL plans to increase the number of battery swapping stations up to 30 by the end of this year.

EVOGO battery-swapping network aims to encourage EV adoption by removing concerns around lack of charging infrastructure at businesses or homes by locating each battery-swapping station within three kilometres. 

Choco-SEB battery modules 

CATL's fast charging solution for EVs relies on an innovative modular battery-swapping method through the Choco-SEB, so called because of its resemblence in shape to a chocolate bar. According to CATL, Choco-SEB is compatible with 80% of the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models worldwide. The standardised battery layout of BEVs will enable removing the batteries underneath the vehicle to be replaced with Choco-SEB. 

EVOGO stations house 48 battery blocks, each is taking only around a minute to swap with a discharged battery. The battery management system (BMS) of CATL also enables Choco-SEB bars to be used for home charging systems. 

CATL has plans to expand battery swapping operations in China as well as North America. The company aims to install EVOGO stations in 10 Chinese cities and has announced the intent of opening a gigafactory, probably in Mexico, with a $5 billion investment. 

Image: CATL