Huawei's automotive technology unit Newcool and battery giant CATL are preparing an initial lineup of five vehicle models compatible with the Choco battery swap network. These vehicles are currently under development, with the first launch expected in 2027.
The initial model in this series will be produced under the Epicland brand, a joint venture between Dongfeng and Huawei. Newcool will integrate its Qiankun intelligent automotive solutions into these vehicles to ensure full compatibility with the swap infrastructure.
The partnership also involves Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology, the operator of the swap network. The companies aim to integrate cloud systems and vehicle data to enable autonomous navigation to stations and automated 99-second battery replacements.
CATL currently operates 2,520 swap stations across 200 cities in China. The company has set a long-term target of reaching 30,000 stations. Additionally, it plans to deploy 1,000 highway stations between 2026 and 2027 to support long-distance travel.
