**China**: Sinopec and CATL have announced a collaboration to establish a comprehensive battery swap network across China, targeting 10,000 stations to enhance the convenience of electric vehicle ownership and support the country’s push for low-carbon transportation and infrastructure development.
Sinopec, one of China’s largest integrated energy and chemical companies, has announced a partnership with CATL, the world’s leading electric vehicle battery manufacturer, to create a nationwide battery swap network. This ambitious endeavour aims to set a new benchmark for green infrastructure in China and is part of the nation’s strategic push towards low-carbon transportation and new infrastructure development.
The collaboration is set to focus on the establishment of no fewer than 500 battery swap stations in its first year, with a long-term objective of constructing up to 10,000 stations across the country. The initiative is designed to provide electric vehicle (EV) owners with a swift and efficient “swap-as-fast-as-refueling” experience, substantially enhancing the convenience of using electric vehicles.
Ma Yongsheng, Chairman of Sinopec, stressed the importance of this partnership, citing it as a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to energy transformation and green development. “This collaboration marks another milestone in Sinopec’s commitment to energy revolution and green development,” Ma said. “By combining our energy supply capabilities, nationwide network, and customer service expertise with CATL’s cutting-edge technology, we aim to build a comprehensive energy infrastructure that powers a better life.”
Dr. Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, echoed Ma’s sentiments, emphasising the potential impact of the initiative on the electric vehicle landscape. “A robust energy replenishment network is critical to the widespread adoption of EVs. Through this partnership, we will elevate the battery swap model to new heights, injecting fresh momentum into sustainable development,” Zeng noted.
Sinopec’s extensive infrastructure includes around 30,000 integrated energy stations, 28,000 Easy Joy convenience stores, and over 10,000 ultra-fast charging stations, serving approximately 200 million customers every day. Meanwhile, CATL has established itself at the forefront of the EV market, having partnered with major automakers such as Changan, GAC Aion, BAIC, SAIC, Hongqi, NIO, and key truck manufacturers like Sinotruk and Foton, to launch a variety of battery-swappable passenger and commercial vehicles.
The partnership between Sinopec and CATL signifies a deepening collaboration in energy stations, storage, and advanced materials. The venture is not only focused on building battery swap stations but also on creating smart energy microgrids equipped with solar power capabilities, energy storage solutions, and battery inspection services. Looking ahead, the two companies plan to explore broader synergies in zero-carbon solutions, vehicle ecosystems, and battery materials, intending to foster innovation through capital and equity partnerships that could accelerate the development of new productive forces.
This collaboration underscores a significant step in China’s ongoing effort to advance its electric vehicle infrastructure, aligning with governmental objectives focused on sustainability and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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