Gasgoo Munich- CATL's Choco-Swap network has unveiled its strategic roadmap, aiming to operate more than 3,000 battery swap stations nationwide by the end of 2026. The network will span nearly 216 cities, ensuring drivers in core urban areas can locate a station within 10 minutes. Looking ahead to 2027, the company plans to deploy 1,000 highway stations, establishing a nationwide backbone grid described as "11 south-north and 9 east-west." Its long-term vision calls for a sprawling network of 30,000 sites.Image source: Choco-Swap networkThe highway network is set for aggressive expansion in 2026. Initial launches will cover seven provinces, with additional sites coming online in others across the country. Construction is already underway along key national expressways, targeting major economic zones like the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Sichuan-Chongqing region. This strategy leverages partnerships with provincial transport groups and highway platforms to integrate swap infrastructure into regional and national planning. By signing agreements for hundreds of stations at scale, Choco-Swap aims to transform highway swapping from isolated points into a networked cluster.Image source: Choco-SwapTo address land and power constraints at service areas while meeting demand for fast replenishment, a single Choco-Swap station can handle up to 600 service sessions daily. Most locations will be equipped with CATL's "Shenxing" supercharging piles, upgrading to "super-swap integrated stations" that combine charging and swapping capabilities. Crucially, while maintaining a 99-second swap time, these integrated stations deliver three times the service capacity of a standard charging station per parking spot, using the same land and power resources. Beyond serving vehicles, the stations function as distributed energy storage units, participating in grid peak-shaving, frequency regulation, and the consumption of green energy.