Changan Automobile, a major player in the Chinese auto industry, has recently filed for a battery-swap-enabled electric sedan that has caught the attention of many. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released a catalog of upcoming models for public comment, with one of the highlights being a battery swap-enabled sedan from Changan’s passenger car sub-brand, Oshan.
The model in question is the Oshan 520 electric sedan, which will be produced at Changan’s Chongqing plant. This sedan, measuring 4,770 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,470 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,765 mm, is expected to cater to the budget sedan market. It weighs 1,535 kilograms and can reach a top speed of 135 kilometers per hour, powered by a single motor with 105 kW of power output.
Oshan, known for targeting the low to mid-range market, offers models in the price range of RMB 49,900 ($7,010) to RMB 175,800. The Oshan 520’s support for battery swap has led to speculation on social media that it could be a collaborative effort between Changan and Nio, given their partnership on battery swap initiatives since November 2023.
However, it is important to note that the Oshan 520 is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery sourced from CATL and SAIC’s joint venture, United Auto Battery Co Ltd. This differs from Nio’s battery pack, which directly sources cells from CATL without involvement from other joint ventures. Changan has not previously introduced any battery swap-enabled models, although SAIC’s Rising Auto has launched such models and established multiple battery swap stations.
The Oshan 520’s entry into the catalog for public feedback marks the final regulatory step before the model can be officially sold in China. It remains unclear whether the Oshan 520 will utilize Rising Auto’s battery swap system or if Changan has developed its own solution for battery swapping.
In conclusion, Changan’s foray into the electric sedan market with the Oshan 520 showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. With the support for battery swap technology, Changan is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle sector, catering to the diverse needs of Chinese consumers.
