GAC Aion launches AION RT with 99-second battery swap capability

GAC Aion’s AION RT sedan debuts with CATL’s battery-swap technology, offering a 99-second swap for faster EV charging. Learn about the affordable EV and infrastructure plans.
Chinese automaker GAC Aion is preparing to launch a new version of its AION RT sedan with battery-swap capability. The model will debut on April 8, featuring CATL’s swap technology.The key advantage is speed. The manufacturer claims the battery swap process takes just 99 seconds, comparable to refueling a conventional car. This could simplify EV ownership and eliminate long charging times.The model is based on the previously introduced AION RT, which falls into the affordable segment priced around $10,000–$12,000 in China. The new version offers enhanced flexibility with support for both charging and battery swapping. Infrastructure development is also accelerating rapidly.By 2026, plans call for over 3,000 battery-swap stations across 140 cities, including highway networks. Long-term projections suggest up to 30,000 stations. Against this backdrop of competition between charging and swap technologies, China is actively testing both approaches to maximize user flexibility.Overall, the AION RT represents a strategic shift where EVs gain an alternative to conventional charging, moving closer to the convenience of traditional vehicles. If infrastructure develops as planned, fast battery swapping could become a major advantage for Chinese brands and significantly reshape the EV market.