Shanghai (ZXZC)- On Nov. 18, Geely Technology Group inked an agreement with Chongqing Expressway, a Chongqing-based state-run company engaging in expressway businesses, for a strategic cooperation on deploying battery swapping facilities in highway service plazas.

Under the agreement, Geely Technology will launch demonstration battery swapping stations at the Qinggang, Weilong, Luohuang, Jingguan and Dalu rest stops on Chongqing's expressways.

Geely Technology Group, Chongqing Expressway signing agreement; photo credit: Chongqing Expressway

Chongqing Expressway said in a posting on its WeChat account both parties will jointly advance the cooperation on the exhibition, sale and after-sales service of Geely's vehicles models, team up on building and operating EV charging & battery swapping facilities, and constructing platforms for EV charging & battery swapping network, so as to help drivers shake off range anxiety in long-distance travels.

Prior to the collaboration with Chongqing Expressway, Geely Technology's intelligent battery swap station made its debut on September 16, which would be put into operation in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area first. Covering 126 square meters, a station has 39 charging spots and is able to offer 1,000 times of charging service per day.

Geely Technology Group plans to build 35 battery swap stations in Chongqing by the end of 2020, and increase the cumulative number to 100 by 2021 and exceed 200 by 2023, helping Chongqing advance into an exemplary city in China in terms of battery swap business operations.

With Chongqing as the center, the company will radiate its battery swapping deployment across the country, including such cities as Zhejiang and Shandong.

Geely Technology Group, a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, focuses on the investment and operation in the new technologies and new business models about travelling ecosystem, with its line of businesses covering mobility services, new energy vehicle, flying car and satellite communications.