Illustration: Tang Tengfei/GT

Contemporary Amperex Technology's (CATL) battery swapping ecosystem model, to a certain extent, serves as a prime example of how Chinese companies are not only advancing and expanding the EV sector but also demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of external pressures.  

CATL announced on Wednesday plans to build 1,000 battery swap stations nationwide in 2025, with the ultimate goal of 30,000 to 40,000 swap stations, Chinese news site thepaper.cn reported on Wednesday. The company has unveiled two standardized Choco-SEB (Swapping Electric Blocks) battery packs and plans to launch 10 electric vehicle (EV) models using the packs with partners.

As CATL continues to forge ahead with its ambitious battery swapping ecosystem, its collaborative ecosystem approach underscores a paradigm shift where cooperation, rather than product-centric strategies, is the cornerstone for success in international sustainable development.

This strategic approach highlights the proactive measures taken by some Chinese companies to enhance the efficiency and convenience of EV usage, thereby positioning themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving market.

Battery swapping enables drivers to quickly exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one at designated stations, typically within minutes. While this technology is not new, it is widely adopted in commercial vehicles in China, with heavy trucks, logistics vehicles and buses leading the way in accelerating the development of battery swapping infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, automakers around the world are also investing in battery swap stations. For instance, Nio has opened more than 2,700 battery swap stations for its own users, according to media reports. By investing in technology and infrastructure, CATL and its counterparts are not only addressing the challenges posed by global competition but are also setting new standards for sustainability and consumer experience in the EV industry.

While some Chinese companies currently only expand their network domestically, this paves the way for potential international collaborations, leveraging their extensive ties with global automakers. Some Chinese companies have already formed extensive partnerships with numerous global automakers. 

Given that batteries represent a significant portion of EV costs, the promotion of the battery swapping station model is expected to help reduce these expenses. Therefore, the model's potential to reduce EV costs and enhance the user's experience makes it an attractive proposition for countries worldwide that embrace EV initiatives.

At present, the Chinese EV sector is facing unprecedented challenges from complex and shifting geopolitical environment as it strives to enter the global market. Western economies, like the US and the EU, have imposed tariffs that aim to block the entry of Chinese EVs and EV components so as to impede the growth of China's EV industry.

In the face of these challenges, Chinese companies have not retreated. Instead, Chinese companies are increasingly focused on integrating the industrial chain and building ecosystems, striving to create a comprehensive and efficient industrial system that enhances their overall competitiveness. This shift is not an isolated case but has become a common trend across the entire Chinese EV sector. An increasing number of Chinese companies are accelerating their internationalization efforts, actively seeking to connect and integrate with international markets through cooperation. Additionally, many Chinese EV companies are establishing partnerships with international automotive and technology firms.

Fundamentally, the trajectory of China's EV sector amid geopolitical pressures hinges on its ability to foster deep cooperation with global partners through sophisticated industrial strategies. This collaboration should serve as a bridge that effectively and positively advances the global EV industry toward greater integration and progress, creating a mutually beneficial and win-win ecosystem. By strengthening ties with the global EV market, Chinese companies can showcase the openness and inclusiveness of its EV sector. Such deep cooperation and integration not only bolster the resilience of the Chinese industry but also mitigate the impact of any forces attempting to undermine it through political means.