This $15,000 Chinese EV can swap batteries faster than you can pump gas [Video]

How does a fully charged battery in under 100 seconds sound? China’s CATL, GAC Group, and JD.com revealed a battery-swappable version of the Aion UT that can swap batteries quicker than you can pump gas.

The Aion UT Super can swap EV batteries in 99 seconds

The new battery swap version looks about the same as the current Aion UT sold in China, but it’s equipped with CATL’s Choco-SEB battery packs.

CATL introduced the new battery packs in December that can be swapped for a fully charged one in under 100 seconds, making it just as fast as filling up a gas tank.

The new Aion UT Super draws power from a 54.036 kWh CATL LFP battery, providing a CLTC driving range of 500 km (310 miles). Drivers can swap, charge, or rent batteries at one of CATL’s Choco Battery Swap Stations. It also features a single electric motor with 134 horsepower (100 kW).

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Measuring 4,270 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,575 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, the electric hatch is about the size of the Volkswagen ID.3.

Don’t feel like swapping? The electric hatchback can still recharge from 30% to 80% in 26 minutes, the company said.

Inside, the setup is relatively simple, with a floating infotainment screen at the center and a smaller driver display cluster.

The new Aion UT Super will be sold exclusively on JD.com, also known as the “Chinese Amazon.” GAC opened blind pre-orders on Wednesday ahead of its official launch next week during the 11.11 shopping festival, China’s largest shopping event.

According to CarNewsChina, prices for the swappable Aion UT Super are expected to range from 100,000 yuan ($14,000) to 120,000 yuan ($16,800).

Although the company promotes a full battery swap in as little as 99 seconds, it’s actually even quicker. A video from ThinkerCar shows the Aion UT Super swapping its battery at a CATL Chocolate Battery Swap Station in just 88 seconds.

The Aion UT Super joins other Chinese EVs, including the Changan Oshan 520, that are rolling out with CATL’s 99-second swappable batteries.

Several major Chinese brands, including GAC, Chery, NIO, FAW, and BAIC, are partnering with CATL to launch vehicles powered by its Choco-SEB batteries.