Aulton, Ion Rocking form strategic cooperation on battery swapping-related businesses

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 16, Chinese leading battery swapping service provider Aulton New Energy Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. ("Aulton") signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ion Rocking in Wuhan, as both parties plan to collaborate in such areas as vehicle and battery separation, battery services, and the promotion of battery swappable models.

Since 2023, the operational cooperation between the two companies has already been successfully implemented in three cities: Wuhan, Hohhot, and Qiqihar.

Photo credit: Aulton

This strategic collaboration focuses on the "vehicle and battery separation," which serves as a catalyst for the large-scale promotion of battery swapping technology. The battery swap business has effectively introduced innovative business models such as selling bare vehicles while leasing batteries. 

On one hand, it significantly reduces the initial vehicle purchase cost, offering users the flexibility to choose between purchasing a complete electric vehicle or opting for a combination of a powerless vehicle and a leased battery. This approach not only innovates in sales and service formats but also enhances the competitiveness of battery swappable vehicle models, accelerating their further adoption. 

On the other hand, centralized management of battery assets promotes standardization and sharing of batteries, alleviating financial pressure on companies investing in battery swap stations. It also creates favorable conditions for the full lifecycle management, hierarchical utilization, energy storage interaction, and resale value recovery of batteries.

Li Yixiu, President of Aulton, expressed that the strategic cooperation reached this year represents the first cross-platform collaboration between "battery swapping + third-party battery services," with both platforms having social service attributes. With the success of their cooperation, under the framework of "vehicle and battery separation," they have pioneered a commercial cooperation model featuring "non-rental mileage settlement." This model seamlessly integrates elements such as travel, the entire lifecycle management of batteries, and leasing services. Moreover, it establishes a comprehensive connection between "vehicles-battery swap station-battery assets-leasing services" in the investment and construction of power swap stations.

Aulton highlights the profound significance of this collaboration to both the industry and society. It resolves existing challenges in the convenience and efficiency of replenishing energy for new energy vehicles, mitigates risks related to key parameters such as battery lifespan, electric vehicle power, safety, and the value of hierarchical utilization. Furthermore, it addresses the significant initial investment required by battery swapping facility operators and eases financial pressures in the transportation industry, particularly for taxi and ride-sharing services.

Since 2023, Ion Rocking and Aulton have pioneered user-approved battery swap models and third-party battery leasing service solutions, initiating cooperation in multiple cities with diverse climatic conditions. Upholding the philosophy of "multi-brand vehicle sharing for swappable batteries," they have already serviced nearly 5,000 battery swappable vehicles.

Established on December 17, 2021, Ion Rocking features a registered capital of 800 million yuan. The company's shareholders include Dongfeng Motor Group Company Limited, FAW Equity Investment (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Wuhan Economic Development Investment Co., Ltd., and China Three Gorges Technology Co., Ltd., according to the description posted on the company’s official website. Built upon battery asset operation, Ion Rocking focuses on its core, the digital intelligent energy service platform. With three major business lines—digital technology services, comprehensive battery lifecycle operation, and swappable battery operations—the company is committed to becoming a leading energy service technology company in the industry.