CATL pursues significant reduction in electric vehicle battery replacement expenses through its repair service initiative
In the automotive industry, the cost of replacing the power battery pack in after-sales service for a 200,000 yuan (27,500 USD) NEV can exceed 100,000 yuan (13,750 USD), making the issue of expensive and difficult after-sales service increasingly prominent. However, CATL's independent aftermarket brand, Ning Service, has launched a Cell-to-Pack (CTP) battery repair service that significantly reduces these costs.
Ning Service's repair service is based on professional cell-level repairs using original CATL components. This approach ensures safe, reliable, and cost-effective repairs. The service strictly follows CATL's technical and quality standards, is conducted in controlled conditions (dust-free, constant temperature/humidity), and includes official warranty coverage.
One of the key factors that contribute to the cost reduction is the repair of only affected cells instead of replacing the entire battery pack. This method avoids third-party safety risks associated with non-original parts. Additionally, Ning Service developed a non-destructive testing device that quickly detects internal battery damage with over 90% accuracy without disassembly, preventing secondary damage and further lowering repair time and costs.
This approach saves users substantial repair expenses, reducing costs to approximately 10-20% of full battery pack replacement price. The services offered by Ning Service include battery testing, maintenance, used car battery inspection and refurbishment, battery recycling, and cascade utilisation.
Ning Service was established from CATL's after-sales service department in 2015 and became an independent brand in 2024. Currently, the service is active primarily in China and applies to CATL battery packs only. However, with over 1,100 service outlets in 75 countries, including more than 800 located in China, CATL asserts that through Ning Service, the company can establish an ecological closed loop for batteries.
The launch of the service comes as new energy vehicle (NEV) penetration surpasses 50% and the first wave of NEVs exits warranty coverage. In recent years, market demand for higher volumetric energy density in power batteries has led to a significant increase in the adoption of CTP technology. CATL aims to cut EV battery replacement costs drastically with its repair service.
The information about Ning Service and CATL's plans was reported by Chinese media Yicai.
[1] Yicai, (2022). CATL's Ning Service reduces EV battery replacement costs significantly. [Online] Available at: https://www.yicai.com/news/2022/07-29/146691409.html
[2] Yicai, (2022). CATL aims to cut EV battery replacement costs drastically with its repair service. [Online] Available at: https://www.yicai.com/news/2022/08-02/146706852.html
[3] Yicai, (2022). CATL's Ning Service currently limited to CATL batteries. [Online] Available at: https://www.yicai.com/news/2022/08-03/146709645.html
[4] Yicai, (2022). Ning Service's repair service price much lower than the cost of a full pack replacement. [Online] Available at: https://www.yicai.com/news/2022/08-04/146712962.html
[5] Yicai, (2022). CATL's Ning Service reduces EV battery replacement costs significantly by offering professional cell-level repairs. [Online] Available at: https://www.yicai.com/news/2022/08-05/146716151.html
- Scientific advancements in Cell-to-Pack (CTP) technology, coupled with financial savings provided by Ning Service's professional cell-level repairs, are revolutionizing the after-sales service of new energy vehicles (NEVs).
- The combination of technology, exemplified in the CTP repair services, and finance, demonstrated through reduced costs, is positioned to reshape the future of electric vehicle (EV) maintenance, potentially leading to a more sustainable and cost-effective industry.
