Shanxi Province Introduces First Local Standard for Chassis-Based Battery Swapping Stations for Electric Heavy Trucks in China

Recently, Shanxi Province announced the establishment of China’s first local standard for electric heavy-duty truck battery swapping stations, titled the “Guidelines for the Construction of Pure Electric Chassis-Based Battery Swapping Stations for Cargo Vehicles” (hereafter referred to as the “Guidelines”). This standard will officially take effect on July 10 of this year. The introduction of this standard systematically addresses the lack of unified norms in the construction and operation of chassis-based battery swapping stations, providing a clear technical basis for the large-scale application of the chassis-based battery swapping model. This marks a new stage in the standardized and regulated development of electric heavy-duty trucks.

With policies being implemented, technological innovations emerging, and ecological collaborations taking shape, the chassis-based battery swapping model for electric heavy-duty trucks is advancing at an unprecedented pace towards a more efficient and low-carbon future.

The rapid adoption of新能源商用车 (new energy commercial vehicles) has made the battery swapping model an increasingly significant solution in the commercial vehicle sector due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly in scenarios involving long-distance transport, heavy loads, and frequent use. However, for a long time, the construction of battery swapping stations has lacked unified standards, with companies operating independently. This has resulted in a patchwork of design, construction, and operational standards, leading to fragmented industry development. Such a situation has further exacerbated the issue of “isolation,” where the equipment and technological standards between battery swapping stations are incompatible, deepening technological barriers between companies and hindering the large-scale development of infrastructure. Additionally, this increases operational costs, which is detrimental to the overall healthy growth of the industry.

The Guidelines issued by Shanxi Province aim to resolve these issues. The standard specifies fundamental principles for the construction of battery swapping stations, site planning, power supply and distribution systems, vehicle guidance systems, battery replacement systems, comprehensive station monitoring systems, safety requirements, and signage. For instance, the standard stipulates that the battery swapping process must not exceed 6 minutes and mandates that each station must be compatible with vehicles from at least two different manufacturers. It also emphasizes the need for smart configurations, such as vehicle-to-station interaction systems and thermal management systems.

As a significant province for heavy-duty truck applications, Shanxi’s initiative not only supports the construction of a new energy logistics network within the province but also contributes local experience to the national standardization of battery swapping for heavy-duty trucks. Furthermore, the issuance of a unified standard fills a policy gap in the construction of battery swapping stations, providing a basis for their development and operation, and establishing a framework for industry growth.

So, what makes chassis-based battery swapping a focal point in the industry? The release of the Guidelines has propelled this model into the spotlight. Currently, the methods for recharging新能源重卡 (new energy heavy-duty trucks) include charging, LNG, rear-mounted battery swapping, and chassis-based battery swapping. While the charging mode is technically mature, it is relatively slow. LNG faces challenges such as price instability, storage and transportation difficulties, and high construction costs. Rear-mounted battery swapping has limited battery capacity, making it unsuitable for long-distance transport, and presents a risk of overturning due to a high center of gravity. In contrast, chassis-based battery swapping offers advantages in safety, speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, making it the optimal solution for recharging new energy heavy-duty trucks.

On one hand, chassis-based battery swapping trucks have impressive range capabilities, meeting the demands of long-distance and high-frequency transportation. On the other hand, their design, which places batteries low on the chassis, effectively lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, enhancing driving stability, freeing up space in the cab, and reducing the risk of collision-related injuries. Moreover, the Guidelines require that chassis-based battery swapping systems be compatible across different brands and vehicle models. In simple terms, trucks from various manufacturers can quickly swap batteries at different stations, significantly increasing convenience and flexibility for users. Due to these notable advantages, the chassis-based battery swapping model has become a vital pillar in Shanxi’s push for the standardization of operations in this sector.

Currently, one of the key players in the chassis-based battery swapping market is Qiji Battery Swapping, a subsidiary of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited), which co-developed the Guidelines. Qiji Battery Swapping not only provides solutions for longer and safer travel but also offers cost advantages. Its standardized battery design helps vehicle manufacturers save on research and development costs. Through forward development and the application of electric drive bridge technology, its battery swapping system can reduce energy consumption in heavy-duty trucks by 10% to 20%.

With major energy companies and government departments taking significant steps in the new energy heavy-duty truck sector, the chassis-based battery swapping technology is attracting widespread attention. CATL is actively expanding its presence in this market, supported by its financial strength, technological capabilities, and advantages in the supply chain. Financial reports show that CATL achieved revenue of 84.7 billion yuan and a net profit of 13.9 billion yuan in the first quarter of 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of over 30%. This solid financial foundation supports its investment in the chassis-based battery swapping field.

Furthermore, notable movements have occurred in this sector involving national energy companies and government bodies. China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has partnered with CATL, with plans to build no less than 500 battery swapping stations by 2025, gradually expanding to 10,000 stations to create an efficient battery swapping network across the country. Sinopec’s extensive network of gas stations provides the necessary infrastructure for rapid deployment, while CATL offers technological support through its battery development capabilities.

The Ministry of Transport’s Highway Scientific Research Institute has also established a strategic partnership with CATL. This collaboration focuses not only on technological research and application scenarios but also has significant implications for top-level industry design. Both parties will work together to promote the standardization of battery swapping technology and its associated infrastructure, collaboratively developing a comprehensive standard system that encompasses vehicles, batteries, and swapping stations. This effort aims to transition the industry from fragmentation to unity, facilitating orderly growth and integrating battery swapping technology into China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for transportation development.

In conclusion, from the cooperation between China Petroleum, the Highway Research Institute, and CATL on top-level design to Shanxi Province’s pioneering release of the first local standard, and the accelerated establishment of a national network for battery swapping, various stakeholders are making multidimensional efforts to build a comprehensive battery swapping ecosystem. The rise of the battery swapping model is not only providing a highly efficient and convenient recharging solution for the heavy-duty truck sector but also injecting significant energy into the transformation and upgrading of green logistics. According to industry forecasts, the sales of new energy commercial vehicles in China are expected to continue growing rapidly, particularly in bulk logistics and long-distance transportation, where battery swapping will gradually become the mainstream recharging method. As the national battery swapping network improves, China’s chassis-based battery swapping model is poised to set an example for global green logistics development.

CATL’s dual strategy of industry collaboration and capital investment offers solutions for China and contributes to global carbon neutrality goals. Moving forward, with the synergy of policies, markets, and technology, the chassis-based battery swapping model for new energy heavy-duty trucks is set to enter a new era characterized by broader and more sustainable development.