Chinese automaker SAIC and Science Fiction Archivesbattery giant CATL said on Jan. 10 that they would explore the potential of electric vehicles with swappable batteries, as well as work together in overseas markets, in a major expansion of their partnership. SAIC, a manufacturing partner of Volkswagen and General Motors in China, will develop and sell EVs with swappable batteries sourced from CATL. Meanwhile, CATL will offer battery leasing programs and swapping services to SAIC’s car buyers in an innovative business model that separates the sales of batteries from those of the car. The world’s largest battery supplier also plans to build an overseas after-sales service network, facilitating the overseas expansion of its partner, Reuters reported. Last month, CATL announced it had co-developed 10 new EV models with automakers, with plans to build 1,000 battery swapping stations in China in 2025. [Reuters, SAIC statement, in Chinese]
