CATL-GAC and JD: Electric cars are getting cheaper and, in some ways, faster to “refuel” than many people expect. In November 2025, CATL (the world’s largest battery maker), automaker GAC Aion and e-commerce giant JD.com unveiled the Aion UT Super: a compact, mass-market EV that pairs an ultra-low entry price (battery-lease options from ~49,900 yuan, roughly US$7,000) with CATL’s rapid “Choco-Swap” battery-swap system that can replace a depleted battery in under 100 seconds. That combination — tiny upfront cost + near-instant energy replenishment is designed to push EV adoption past one of consumers’ biggest sticking points: price and charging time.
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CATL-GAC and JD: Price + Rapid Swap
Two big obstacles slow widespread EV acceptance: high upfront cost and charging time anxiety.
A low up-front price (achieved by separating battery ownership from the car) reduces the cash barrier. A battery-lease model means buyers pay for the vehicle and either lease or rent the battery monthly — dramatically lowering the initial purchase price and shifting the battery cost to an ongoing service fee.
Battery swapping solves the “long charge” problem. Instead of waiting at a fast charger for 20–40 minutes, drivers can drive into a swapping station and walk out with a fully charged pack in about the time it takes to order coffee. With advertised times under 100 seconds, swapping approaches the convenience of filling a petrol car — but it requires standardised packs and a network of swap points.
How the Choco-Swap system actually works: CATL-GAC and JD
Here’s the user story — step by step — plus the tech behind it:
- Drive into the swap bay. The car aligns with the station automatically or with guidance.
- Automated dock & safety checks. The swap system communicates with the car to confirm connectivity and state-of-charge; safety interlocks engage.
- Battery removal & replacement. The station mechanically removes the depleted pack and installs a fully charged one. The whole mechanical sequence is choreographed and automated to minimize human involvement. Demo videos and manufacturer claims put the time at ~88–99 seconds for a complete exchange.
- Real-time monitoring & billing. The swap is linked to the user’s account (purchase or battery-lease), and the station logs battery health and usage data.
CATL-GAC and JD: Specifications & Options:
| Item | Aion UT Super (as announced) |
|---|---|
| Price (battery-lease entry) | 49,900 yuan (~US$7,000) advertised. Full buy-with-battery option also available (higher price). |
| Swap system | CATL Choco-Swap (battery pack swaps in ~88–99s). |
| Range (manufacturer metric) | CATL-supplied packs; the company also signalling future sodium-ion compatibility in swap network. |
| Partners | GAC Aion, CATL, JD.com (sales, logistics, ecosystem ops). |
| Battery types | CATL-supplied packs; the company is also signalling future sodium-ion compatibility in the swap network. |
| Swap network goals | CATL published targets for large rollout (hundreds → thousands of stations). |
Conclusion
The Aion UT Super is a provocative, well-timed experiment: it tackles the two most visible friction points for EV adoption (cost and charging time) with a concrete product + service combo. If the swap network achieves wide coverage and the economics hold up, it could shift how many people think about EV ownership — from “I need a home charger” to “I can refuel in two minutes.” That would be revolutionary for urban drivers and fleets.
For now, Aion UT Super is less a final answer than a powerful demonstration: an affordable, swappable EV is technically and commercially plausible, and the next 12–24 months will show whether it becomes mainstream or remains a compelling option.
Bhakti Rawat is a Founder & Writer of InsureMyCar360.com. This site Provides You with Information Related To the Best Auto Insurance Updates & comparisons. 🔗