Batteries · Oct 21, 2026, 12:07
Huawei's Car Unit Joins CATL's 2,520-Station Battery Swap Network
Yinwang signed a framework deal to make cars running Huawei's Qiankun driving systems work with CATL's Choco-swap stations. No vehicle models, dates or service areas were named.
A swap bay exchanges the pack instead of charging the car.
Illustration (AI-generated)
China, Oct. 19 — Yinwang, Huawei's automotive unit, signed a strategic cooperation framework with CATL and its swap subsidiary CAES to make vehicles with Huawei's Qiankun smart driving systems work with CATL's Choco-swap network, Electrek reports, citing Reuters. The network has 2,520 stations in about 200 Chinese cities.
The agreement covers both swappable battery packs and the station network. It is a framework deal: no vehicle models, launch dates or service areas were announced. CATL chairman Robin Zeng and Yinwang CEO Jin Yuzhi attended the signing.
The Technical Details
CATL wants to link car, station and cloud. The vehicle would work out when it needs energy from its battery state and the driver's habits, find a station, drive in on its own and line itself up for the exchange. CATL quotes 99 seconds for the swap itself.
Huawei owns 80% of Yinwang, with Seres and Changan's Avatr holding 10% each. Seres builds the AITO brand, and several other Chinese carmakers buy Qiankun systems, so the deal could reach beyond one manufacturer. Existing Choco partners include GAC, BAIC and NIO.
