- Dongfeng and CATL signed a 2026 group-level deal to extend cooperation from battery supply into supercharging, battery swapping, and overseas after-sales and service networks.
- CATL’s third-gen Shenxing enables 10C–15C charging, 10–80% in 3m44s and 10–98% in about 6m27s; Choco-Swap has 2,520 stations, targeting 30,000.
- Moves target mid/high-end passenger and commercial swap-capable segments but face execution risks around infrastructure scale-up, 2027 model timing, supply logistics and margin pressure.
Dongfeng Motor and CATL signed a group-level strategic cooperation agreement in Wuhan on Oct. 29, marking the third time the two companies have entered into a group-level strategic partnership.
Unlike their previous agreements, the latest deal extends cooperation to energy replenishment networks and overseas after-sales services, with supercharging and battery swapping identified as key areas of joint development.
The partnership dates back to 2016–2020, when the two companies initially focused on building out the battery supply chain, particularly securing cell supplies and battery systems for vehicle models.
Their second group-level agreement, covering 2021–2025, expanded cooperation into areas such as high-end vehicle models and battery recycling.
With the latest agreement in 2026, the partnership is shifting beyond in-vehicle battery products toward energy services and infrastructure.
In supercharging, the two companies plan to jointly develop next-generation technologies.
Charging products with rates of 10C or higher will first be introduced across three Dongfeng brands: Voyah, M-Hero and Epicland.
In April 2026, CATL unveiled its third-generation Shenxing supercharging battery, which supports an equivalent charging rate of 10C and a peak rate of 15C.
It charges from 10% to 80% in 3 minutes and 44 seconds, and 10% to 98% in about 6 minutes and 27 seconds.
On battery swapping, the partners will jointly develop architectures covering both passenger and commercial vehicles.
Dongfeng’s mid- to high-end brands, including eπ, Epicland and M-Hero, will adopt battery-swapping systems.
Commercial vehicle brands such as Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle and Chenglong will introduce swap-enabled models. The strategy covers both passenger and commercial vehicle applications.
Cooperation between Yijing and CATL’s Choco-Swap network has already made further progress.
Huawei’s intelligent automotive solutions unit, Yinwang, and CATL have announced that the first vehicle under their cooperation is scheduled for launch in 2027.
The model will be part of the Epicland brand, which was jointly developed by Dongfeng and Huawei.
In terms of existing infrastructure, CATL’s Choco-Swap network for passenger vehicles had established 2,520 battery-swap stations in 200 Chinese cities as of September 29. The company plans to expand the network to 30,000 stations.
For commercial vehicles, CATL’s Qiji battery-swap network is already operating on five major freight corridors.
Its cumulative operating mileage exceeded 5 million kilometers, targeting 900 operational swap stations by the end of 2026.
On October 20, CATL also introduced a dual-battery solution for heavy-duty trucks, combining a swappable main battery with an onboard range-extender battery. The initial contracted volume stands at 13,000 units.
Beyond domestic energy replenishment services, the two companies plan to pool their overseas resources to build a joint after-sales service network.
They also intend to use nearby production facilities to supply overseas markets, improving supply-chain responsiveness and service efficiency.
Dongfeng Motor’s overseas exports rose 97% year on year in the first half of 2026.
Its authorized overseas sales network had expanded to 1,600 outlets across more than 150 countries and regions.
CATL, meanwhile, began developing a global network of directly operated experience centers for its Ning Service after-sales brand in August.
The company plans to enter 100 cities worldwide in phases during the second half of 2026.
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