CATL, alongside its battery swap subsidiary CAES, has entered a strategic agreement with CAR Inc. (China Auto Rental) and CMB Financial Leasing. The partnership, forged in Ningde, targets establishing battery swapping as a mainstream solution within the car rental sector. By collaborating on energy replenishment, asset management, financial services, and rental operations, the alliance aims to deliver sustainable battery swap services and create a complete e-mobility ecosystem.

CAR Inc. will integrate CATL's Choco-Swap EVs across economy, mid-range, and luxury segments (A0 to B class). A pilot launching this year will phase in over 100,000 battery-swappable vehicles. These models feature CATL’s standardized battery blocks (20# and 25#), offering 400-600 km ranges. The flexible energy solution supports diverse needs: short/long-term rentals, corporate fleets, and ride-hailing. For ride-hailing, CAR Inc. will bulk-purchase Choco-Swap EVs, prioritizing major Chinese cities. CAES will co-develop a battery health platform for safety and range stability.

Leveraging CAR Inc.’s network of 2,000+ outlets and parking resources, the partners will build a battery swap grid covering core transport hubs, enabling efficient "return-and-swap" for renters. Stations will prioritize photovoltaic green energy and support grid stability. Digitally, the CAR Inc. app will add swap station navigation and payment, creating a rental-swap-return service loop.

To cut leasing costs and boost efficiency, CMB Financial Leasing and CAES will offer competitive battery leasing for CAR Inc.'s fleet. A dedicated task force will optimize vehicle procurement, insurance, and resale with automakers, enhancing lifecycle competitiveness and user convenience.