CATL Reportedly in Talks to Acquire NIO’s Battery Swap Division

China’s battery giant CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) is reportedly in discussions to acquire a controlling stake in NIO Power, the energy infrastructure subsidiary of electric vehicle manufacturer NIO. According to a report by Sina Technology on April 9, sources close to the matter indicate that CATL aims to integrate battery swapping into its broader EV energy ecosystem, a move that could reshape China’s charging infrastructure landscape.

Founded in 2020, NIO Power oversees one of the most extensive battery-swapping networks in the world. As of March 2025, NIO operates over 3,000 battery swap stations across China, and its “Power Swap 3.0” stations support automated battery replacement in under three minutes. The service has become a core differentiator for NIO in China’s competitive EV market, offering consumers the flexibility of a fully charged battery without traditional plug-in charging delays.

Neither company has officially confirmed the deal. In response to media inquiries, CATL said it had “no further information to disclose,” while NIO has remained silent. However, if the deal moves forward, it would represent a major consolidation of power in China’s EV infrastructure ecosystem — effectively combining the country’s largest EV battery manufacturer with its most advanced swap station operator.

The move also reflects broader industry efforts to standardize and scale battery swapping, which has lagged behind fast-charging networks in adoption. CATL has previously worked with EV automakers like Geely and Aulton to explore battery-swap-compatible platforms, but a partnership with NIO could provide the infrastructure and user base needed to drive real momentum.

While battery swapping remains controversial globally due to cost and standardization challenges, China has emerged as the clear leader in this space. A CATL-NIO deal would further cement the country’s head start — and potentially create a new blueprint for EV infrastructure outside of traditional plug-in charging.