On 10 August, CATL's service subsidiary, Ningjia Service, launched a Cell-to-Pack (CTP) battery refurbishment program that significantly reduces repair costs for out-of-warranty new energy vehicle owners by enabling component-level repairs instead of full battery replacements.

As China's EV penetration rate exceeds 50%, EVs have become mainstream choices in the domestic market. However, with the first generation of EV batteries now exiting warranty coverage (typically 8-year/160,000-km periods, though few manufacturers offer lifetime warranties), after-sales service challenges will plague every NEV owner. Compounding this issue, the pursuit by mainstream battery manufacturers of increased energy density” has ushered in a module-free era, substantially increasing battery pack maintenance complexity and recycling costs.

Widespread consumer anxiety over post-warranty batteries now represents a significant constraint on further NEV market growth. This structural transformation in China's automotive sector is resulting in battery enterprises reconsidering stakeholder priorities, positioning Ningjia Service as CATL's strategic solution.      

Data from China Insurance Automotive Safety Index reveals that power battery packs account for 51% of the average parts-to-vehicle cost ratio across 59 pure EV models. For a US$2[JA5] 7,840 EV, replacement battery costs exceeding US$14,000 may surpass the vehicle's residual value—an unacceptable situation for customers. CATL's CTP refurbishment addresses this by replacing only faulty cells, reducing costs to US$1,400-2,800. With over 800 service centres operational nationwide and expanding coverage, CATL is establishing a closed-loop battery ecosystem spanning "production-usage-cascading utilisation-recycling".   

Concurrently, market maturation and product homogenisation are eroding CATL's dominance. Automakers pursuing supply chain stability and bargaining power are increasingly establishing captive or JV battery plants to reduce their dependence on CATL. Given CATL's price disadvantages, a consumer-centric approach, compelling automaker adoption, presents a viable long-term strategy. While some manufacturers offer lifetime powertrain warranties for private vehicles, mainstream EVs typically provide only 8-year/160,000km coverage.

Consequently, battery replacement costs will make Ningjia's refurbishment service exclusively valuable for CATL-equipped vehicles. As this service gains market penetration, consumer discussions will likely intensify, with CATL's battery systems offering enhanced after-sales confidence.