China Auto Daily丨SAIC-GM-Wuling Teams with CATL, Boosting Battery Supply & Swap Network

SAIC-GM-Wuling and CATL Strategic Battery Partnership

On April 13, 2026, CATL announced a strategic cooperation agreement with SAIC-GM-Wuling focusing on large-scale industry collaboration, battery supply, and overseas market expansion. SAIC-GM-Wuling will select CATL as the core battery supplier for over 15 new energy vehicle models across its entire lineup. The partnership also includes integrating SAIC-GM-Wuling's full range of battery swap vehicles into CATL's nationwide battery swap network, which is expected to exceed 3,000 stations by the end of 2026. This network supports battery capacities from 42 kWh to 56 kWh, suitable for micro electric vehicles, A/B segment passenger cars, and commercial logistics vehicles. This collaboration aims to enhance the scalability and efficiency of battery supply chains and accelerate electrification in passenger and commercial segments.

Buick Electra E7 SUV Pricing and Features

On April 10, 2026, Buick's premium new energy sub-brand Electra announced pricing for its first SUV, the Electra E7, ranging from RMB 160,000 to RMB 210,000 (USD 23,200 to 30,400). The model targets family users and offers three trim levels. It is powered by the True Dragon plug-in hybrid Pro powertrain, delivering a pure electric CLTC range of 235 km and a total range of up to 1,630 km. The vehicle features an advanced predictive continuous damping variable suspension system scanning road conditions 500 times per second and adjusting 200 times per second to filter bumps actively. It also includes eBoost comfort braking and a Moment AR6 enhanced learning model covering highway, urban, and parking scenarios for intelligent driving assistance. The Electra E7 is scheduled for launch and delivery starting April 22, 2026.

Volkswagen Group’s 2026 China Product Explosion Plans

Volkswagen Group is preparing a major product launch year in 2026, showcasing multiple new energy vehicles. At the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show, SAIC Volkswagen will debut its first six-seat extended-range concept SUV, targeting competitors like Li Auto’s L8/L9, equipped with Momenta’s intelligent driving system and expected to enter production in early 2026. Another five-seat extended-range SUV is planned, positioned slightly below the six-seater. Volkswagen’s collaboration with XPeng will produce two pure electric models based on XPeng’s G9 platform, with Volkswagen handling engineering and manufacturing. FAW Volkswagen and Anhui Volkswagen will also unveil new models including a compact pure electric sedan on the CMP platform and a B-segment pure electric SUV. The MEB platform will be upgraded to MEB+ with improvements in motor and battery efficiency.

Chery Fulwin T9L Market Debut

On April 13, 2026, Chery officially launched the Fulwin T9L, a mid-size five-seater PHEV SUV. Available in five configurations, it is priced between RMB 129,900 (USD 18,800) and RMB 186,900 (USD 27,100). The T9L features a 1.5T Kunpeng engine (115kW/220N·m) paired with a DHT260 transmission, delivering a peak system output of 260kW and 330N·m. It utilizes the "Rhino Square" battery, boasting an energy density of 180Wh/kg. This hardware ensures high efficiency and robust performance across all driving scenarios.

AITO M9: Redefining Intelligent Luxury Hardware

On April 13, the new generation AITO M9 officially revealed its flagship design. The vehicle maintains its imposing presence with dimensions of 5285mm in length and a 3125mm wheelbase. New aesthetic updates include fresh color palettes, semi-hidden door handles, and an integrated through-light design complemented by oversized tires. The primary breakthrough lies in its industry-first six-Lidar array and C-pillar side cameras. This fusion of laser and vision provides 360-degree environmental awareness, identifying low-level blind spots and predicting road hazards like potholes on unpaved surfaces. For performance, it offers both pure electric and extended-range versions, equipped with new CATL batteries. The extended-range models feature 60kWh or 75kWh packs, while the pure electric variant boasts a massive 120kWh capacity, ensuring elite endurance.

GWM Ora 5 Limited Edition: A Cultural and Celebrity Success

Simultaneously, Great Wall Motor’s Ora brand launched the Ora 5 Limited Edition on April 13 with a retail price of RMB 133,800 (USD 19,400). The vehicle offers CLTC ranges of 480km and 580km. High-spec versions feature the third-generation Coffee Pilot Ultra system, utilizing a Lidar and camera fusion for L2+ intelligent driving assistance. The market response was unprecedented; all 99 limited units sold out in just 1 minute and 28 seconds. This rapid depletion highlights Ora's strong influence among young, tech-savvy consumers.

*(Exchange rate: RMB 6.9 = USD 1)*