In a major milestone for China’s electric mobility sector, CATL, GAC Group, and JD.com have jointly launched the Aion UT Super, a revolutionary battery-swappable electric vehicle branded as the “People’s Great Car.” The model officially debuted on November 9 and is available in two purchase options — battery leasing and whole-vehicle purchase — with the leasing option starting at an affordable RMB 49,900, signaling a breakthrough in making EVs accessible to mass consumers.
The Aion UT Super combines the technological strengths of the three industry giants. CATL provides its advanced battery-swapping ecosystem and cell technology, JD.com contributes with its user data insights, e-commerce platform, and service network, and GAC Group offers its proven automotive manufacturing expertise.
Equipped with CATL’s Choco-Swap system, the Aion UT Super delivers a driving range of 500 km and can undergo a complete battery swap in just 99 seconds, addressing key consumer concerns such as charging time, battery degradation, and upfront vehicle cost. The partnership also revealed that CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion battery will debut in Choco-Swap compatible models starting in 2026, marking the next evolution in low-cost, sustainable battery chemistry.
To make ownership even more attractive, early buyers are eligible for cashback rewards, rental discounts, and price protection:
- The first 15,000 buyers will receive subsidies between RMB 2,000–4,000, while the first 1,000 JD Plus members get an additional RMB 2,500 E-card.
- Battery leasing customers who purchase before December 8 can enjoy a discounted monthly rent of RMB 399 (down from RMB 499) and 100 free Choco-Swap vouchers.
- Under the “180-day price protection” policy, customers will receive tenfold compensation if the vehicle’s price drops within six months after delivery.
Simultaneously, CATL’s national Choco-Swap network continues to expand rapidly. The 800th battery-swapping station was inaugurated on November 8 near Xi’an’s Daming Palace Scenic Area. The network aims to reach 1,000 stations across 45 cities by the end of 2025 and 2,500 stations in 120 cities by 2026, with a long-term target of 30,000 stations nationwide.
Through this partnership, CATL, GAC, and JD.com are creating a comprehensive EV ecosystem that integrates vehicle production, sales, battery services, and after-sales support, offering consumers a transparent, convenient, and affordable electric mobility experience.
