In a landmark moment for electric vehicle (EV) innovation, the world’s first car equipped with CATL’s groundbreaking 100-second Choco-SEB swappable battery has been delivered to its inaugural customer in Hangzhou, China. The milestone marks a significant leap forward in addressing one of the most persistent challenges in EV adoption: charging downtime.
Developed by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the Choco-SEB (Seamless Energy Box) battery system allows drivers to replace depleted batteries with fully charged units in just 100 seconds—faster than filling a gas tank. The technology, integrated into a Geely Galaxy model, promises to revolutionize urban mobility by eliminating lengthy charging stops. “This isn’t just a battery swap; it’s a new era of convenience,” said Li Xiang, CATL’s Chief Technology Officer, during the handover ceremony.
Image courtesy of Navigator84 via Wikimedia Commons
The delivery, reported by CarNewsChina, underscores China’s aggressive push to dominate the EV sector. Geely Galaxy, a subsidiary of Geely Auto, has positioned itself at the forefront of this race by integrating CATL’s swappable tech into its latest sedan. The model’s modular design allows batteries to be swapped at specialized stations, which are slated for rapid deployment across major Chinese cities by late 2025.
Battery Swapping Meets Price Wars
The launch coincides with intensifying competition in China’s EV market, where automakers are slashing prices to capture market share. As noted by GSMGOTech, Geely Galaxy has joined the fray by offering the Choco-SEB-equipped vehicle at a competitive ¥199,800 ($27,500), undercutting rivals like BYD and Tesla. Analysts suggest that battery-swapping capabilities could become a key differentiator as consumers prioritize convenience over traditional charging.
Beyond Passenger Cars: Heavy Transport Implications
While the focus is currently on consumer vehicles, CATL’s Choco-SEB technology has broader applications. A recent report highlights trials in heavy-duty transport, including electric trucks and buses, where rapid battery swaps could drastically reduce logistics downtime. “The same principles apply to freight—every minute saved boosts efficiency,” said Zhang Wei, a sustainability analyst at Sino Auto Insights.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the excitement, hurdles remain. Standardizing swap stations across brands and securing infrastructure investments are critical next steps. However, with China’s government backing battery-swap initiatives through subsidies, the technology is poised to scale rapidly.
As the first customer, Hangzhou resident Chen Yu, expressed: “I never thought I’d see the day when refueling an EV is quicker than my coffee break.” For the global auto industry, that day may arrive sooner than expected.
This article is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0.
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