Gasgoo Munich- On June 1 that Choco-Swap announced plans to build 1,020 stations across 45 cities in 2025. By May 2026, the network had grown to 1,650 stations nationwide, spanning 127 cities. That represents an average of over 200 new stations opening every month for six consecutive months.
On the highway front, the company plans to establish an "11 vertical, 9 horizontal" expressway swap network by 2027. This grid aims to fully cover both daily commuting and long-distance travel, delivering a more convenient and efficient recharging experience.
Chocolate Swap's 2026 network planning map. Image source: Chocolate Swap
Driving this rapid expansion is CATL's strategic pivot from a battery supplier to an energy service provider.
CATL introduced the "Chocolate Swap" concept in 2022, centering on standardized, modular battery packs to break the industry's long-standing reliance on single-OEM swap networks. In March 2025, NIO and CATL signed a strategic partnership to build a unified network covering all passenger vehicle models. That May, CATL joined forces with FAW, Changan, BAIC, Chery, and GAC to unveil 10 new models compatible with the Chocolate Swap system.
Notably, the Arcfox Beta S3 swap edition—a joint effort between Chocolate Swap and BAIC's Arcfox—launched on May 22, 2026. Leveraging a battery rental model, the version starts at just 59,800 CNY, sparing users the heavy upfront cost of the battery.
The Arcfox Beta S3 runs on CATL's Chocolate No. 25 battery. It offers a range of 535 km on a full charge and features a 99-second rapid swap where drivers never leave the vehicle. In core cities, users can also enjoy a "10-minute swap circle" experience for added convenience.
Image source: Chocolate Swap
Since the start of 2026, CATL has been pushing its "Chocolate Swap" network rollout at an unprecedented pace.
Plans call for the network to top 3,000 stations by the end of 2026, spanning nearly 190 cities nationwide. Both station density in key urban centers and overall network coverage continue to climb.
Currently, major hubs like Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Beijing each host more than 50 stations. Geographically, the network now stretches west to Lhasa and north to Hulunbuir, bringing the convenience of battery swapping to a wider user base.
