20.08.2026 11:10
Chinese automaker Arcfox is revamping its affordable Beta T1 model with CATL-branded swappable battery technology. Instead of selling the battery upfront, the brand offers a leasing option, reducing the vehicle's starting price to around $7,000 (335,000 TL). This will allow drivers to swap batteries within minutes without waiting in charging queues.
Chinese automaker Arcfox is preparing to introduce a new battery-swappable version of its affordable entry-level model, the Beta T1, which will make it much more accessible. Revealed through an application to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the new model aims to eliminate both the charging time issue and high purchase costs in the electric vehicle market.
THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SWAP THE DEPLETED BATTERY
The Beta T1, which will use the "Choco-SEB" battery swap system developed by Chinese battery giant CATL, will offer electric vehicle owners the ability to replace a depleted battery with a full one in minutes, instead of waiting for hours at a charging station.
THE ERA OF LEASING INSTEAD OF BUYING THE BATTERY
The biggest innovation offered with the new technology is the "Battery as a Service" (BaaS) model. With this system, consumers will not have to pay the high cost of the battery upfront when purchasing the car. By removing the battery cost, the leasing method will significantly lower the vehicle's initial price tag. Users will only pay a subscription/rental fee for the battery at specified intervals.
PRICE COULD DROP TO $7,000 (335,000 TL)
In the Beta S3 model, where Arcfox previously applied the same system, the price with the battery included was $11,820, while with the battery leasing option, the figure dropped to $8,860 (approximately 423,000 TL). If the same pricing strategy is applied to the Beta T1, the model's starting price is expected to drop to around $7,000. This translates to a groundbreaking sales price of approximately 335,000 TL at the current exchange rate.