• SAIC will carry out the development and sales of battery swap-enabled models, while CATL will lead the development and iteration of battery blocks.
• CATL unveiled two standardized Choco-SEB battery packs last month and planned to launch 10 models using the packs with its partners.

SAIC Motor (SHA: 600104) will build battery swap-enabled models based on CATL's (SHE: 300750) solution, becoming a new member of the battery swap alliance led by the battery maker.

The two companies signed the deal at CATL's headquarters in Ningde, Fujian province, and the signing was witnessed by SAIC chairman Wang Xiaoqiu and CATL chairman Robin Zeng, according to their press releases today.

SAIC has selected CATL as a preferred partner in the battery swap sector, according to the press releases from the companies.

SAIC will conduct the development and sales of battery swap-enabled models, while CATL will lead the development and iteration of the swappable battery blocks, CATL said.

The two will work together to drive the adoption of the battery swap ecosystem and bring consumers a more convenient electric mobility experience, CATL's press release said.

SAIC said in its press release that it will develop and sell battery swap-enabled models, and CATL will provide standard swappable batteries and offer battery sales, battery rental and battery swap services.

The companies will also collaborate in areas including brand marketing and overseas market expansion.

CATL launched its battery swap brand EVOGO on January 18, 2022 -- operated by its subsidiary Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology (CAES) -- to officially enter the battery swap segment.

Last month, the battery maker unveiled two standardized Choco-SEB packs in a major update to its battery swap business.

CATL unveiled two standardized Choco-SEB packs, naming them #20 and #25, just as gasoline is available in China as #92, #95, and #98.

The battery maker announced at the time that it would work with partners to launch 10 models using the packs, one for each of the following quarters.

SAIC is also one of the players in the battery swap space, though not as well known as Nio (NYSE: NIO).

SAIC's sub-brand Rising Auto officially launched the R7 SUV (sport utility vehicle) in September 2022, the first battery swap-enabled model under the SAIC umbrella.

Notably, Rising Auto's sales performance has been poor and the brand was merged with Roewe under SAIC Passenger Vehicle in October last year.

CATL reveals ambitious plans aimed at standardizing swappable batteries