Changan Automobile recently announced the launch of its Oshan 520 electric sedan, which features a battery swap solution developed in partnership with CATL. The Oshan 520 is specifically designed for the ride-hailing market and aims to revolutionize the shared mobility experience.
The collaboration between Changan and CATL was solidified at a signing ceremony in Chongqing on November 22. During the event, Changan unveiled the Oshan 520, which boasts a unique battery swap feature that allows users to access a fully charged battery with a range of 500 kilometers in less than two minutes. This innovative technology, based on CATL’s Choco-SEB battery swap solution, significantly reduces charging time and provides substantial cost savings for owners.
According to Changan, the battery swap support offered by the Oshan 520 can reduce initial purchase costs by 35% and insurance costs by more than 10%. Over a six-year period, these savings could amount to enough to purchase a new car. Additionally, the integration of CATL’s Choco-SEB battery swap stations enhances the operational efficiency of electric vehicles, making it easier for fleet operators to scale their operations.
In a strategic move to promote its battery swap technology, CATL launched its EVOGO brand earlier this year. The Choco-SEB batteries offered by EVOGO can be utilized in various vehicles to meet different mileage requirements. The first vehicle to support EVOGO’s battery swap service is the NAT (Next Automatic Taxi) model from Bestune, a brand under China FAW, specifically designed for the shared mobility market.
While some speculation arose regarding the Oshan 520’s association with Nio’s battery swap alliance, it is now clear that the model is a result of the collaboration between Changan and CATL. Changan and Nio had previously partnered on a battery swap initiative in November 2023, but there is no current timeline for joint model development.
CATL’s efforts to expand its battery swap system have gained momentum, with a recent partnership with SAIC-GM-Wuling for the logistics vehicle segment. The adoption of CATL’s Choco-SEB battery swap solution by various automakers indicates a growing interest in this technology to enhance the efficiency and convenience of electric vehicles.
Overall, the introduction of the Oshan 520 with CATL’s battery swap solution marks a significant step towards improving the shared mobility experience and promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in the market. With continued advancements in battery swap technology, the future of electric mobility looks promising.
