Image: GAC AionGAC Aion has been offering the battery-electric Aion RT in China since September 2024 and now adds a new variant: the Aion RT Super with a swappable battery. The mid-size saloon measures 4.87 x 1.88 x 1.52 metres and features a 2.78-metre wheelbase, while its electric motor delivers 150 kW.The new version integrates a 54 kWh LFP battery from CATL, enabling compatibility with China’s expanding battery swap network. At these stations, drivers can exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in around 90 seconds. According to Chinese media, the pack delivers a range of up to 505 kilometres and also supports conventional fast charging, with a 30 to 80 per cent session taking about 26 minutes.GAC Aion prices the Aion RT Super at 88,800 yuan (around €11,050), but excludes the battery from the base cost. Instead, the company requires customers to lease the swappable battery as a subscription, lowering the upfront price while adding ongoing monthly costs. The battery cannot be purchased separately for this model.Rivals take a different approach: Nio, for example, lets customers choose between a battery lease or full purchase—including the swappable battery.The Aion RT Super is compatible with all swap stations in CATL’s Choco Swap Network. The Chinese battery giant aims to have over 3,000 Choco swap stations operational by the end of the year, with a long-term goal of establishing a nationwide network of 30,000 stations. Expansion is driven by a franchise model.Depending on the swap station, there are currently between 14 and 30 batteries in stock, divided into the #20 and #25 types—featuring LFP and NMC cell chemistry. As a reminder: in December 2024, CATL introduced two standardised battery packs as part of its Choco-SEB system. These are available in two fixed sizes: the 20# pack is designed for small electric vehicles with a wheelbase between 2.2 and 2.3 metres, while the 25# pack is intended for vehicles with a wheelbase of up to 2.9 metres. SEB stands for ‘Swapping Electric Blocks,’ and the name ‘Choco’ is inspired by the appearance of a chocolate bar with its individual ‘blocks.’In addition to the two aforementioned versions, there is also a battery pack called 75# for electric trucks, which is a 171 kWh block featuring LFP cells.cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com