CATL stands for Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd. They are a global energy technology company and the leading manufacturer of EV batteries in China. Initially, ten cities will offer EVOGO services, expanding to more in the future.
Other companies like Gogoro have launched similar green energy solutions in the country.
Today, CATL introduced a new brand catered to battery swaps, EVOGO, alongside modular battery blocks inspired by chocolate bars and a compatible mobile app. You can read the full press release here.
The battery swap concept sees the battery as a shared product. EVOGO’s features include high compatibility with vehicle models, need-based battery rental, and complementarity with fast and household charging.
Designed to look like a chocolate bar, the “Choco-SEBs” are modular, mass-produced battery packs that achieve a weight energy density of 160 Wh/kg and a volume energy density of 325 Wh/L. In addition, CATL states every single block can provide a range of 200 km (124 miles).
See also: How do lithium-ion batteries work?
The Choco-SEB’s will be compatible with 80% of global BEV platform-based vehicles on the current market, as well as those released in the next three years. EVOGO says you’ll only need one block for inner-city commuting, while two to three blocks can support longer trips. In addition, swapping out a single pack should take under a minute.
Furthermore, the Choco-SEB’s support traditional plug charging, so drivers travelling on battery swaps don’t necessarily need to find another CATL EVOGO station. Instead, they can plug in somewhere along the way and recharge, adding convenience.
EVOGO stations for battery swaps will be able to store up to 48 Choco-SEBs. Each station will be about as big as three parking spaces.