CATL's Battery Swap Network Adds BAIC and Huawei as Partners

China's largest battery maker, CATL, has added two major automotive partners to its battery swap network within a week. BAIC Group signed a strategic agreement on October 22, 2026, and Huawei's car unit, Yinwang (also known as Newcool), joined the Choco swap ecosystem on October 19. None of the reports mention Armenia, so this is a trend to watch rather than an option today.

What BAIC agreed

• BAIC will connect compatible models from several of its brands to CATL's Choco swap network.
• It will open its dealer network so swap stations can be built around dealerships.
• The partners aim for a swap ecosystem serving vehicles in the million level, with shared standards and specialized management of swap assets. No timeline or station count was given.
• BAIC's Arcfox Beta S3, launched in May, already has a swap version using CATL's Choco-SEB, with a battery rental option.

Huawei joins

The framework with Yinwang covers swappable packs and stations and focuses on vehicles running Huawei's Qiankun smart driving systems. According to Electrek, no models, launch dates or service areas were announced. Huawei holds 80% of Yinwang.

Network size

CATL reported 2,520 stations in about 200 Chinese cities as of September 29. Electrek says the company is adding more than 200 stations a month and aims for over 3,000 by year-end. CnEVPost cites a long-term goal of 30,000 stations and plans for 1,000 highway stations in 2026 and 2027.

Timing

The first compatible models are still under development, with launches planned for next year. One report headline mentions an initial batch of five models for 2027.

What it means for buyers in Armenia

No swap-compatible cars are on sale yet, and the reports concern China only. Electrek's view is that swapping complements charging rather than replacing it, since most owners charge at home. For the models we supply today, ask our team about the charging options that suit your driving.