Texas-based DeLorean adopts digital ‘Build Slot’ NFT tokens for Alpha5 reservations, while Chinese battery giant CATL unveils ultra-fast 100-second battery swap technology, signalling disruptive shifts in the global electric vehicle market.
Texas-based DeLorean has made headlines by inviting reservations for its much-anticipated Alpha5 electric vehicle, priced at $2,500 each. Prospective buyers are required to obtain a digital reservation token, known as ‘Build Slot’ NFTs, although it’s important to note that these tokens are randomly allocated, meaning that purchasing one does not guarantee a priority in the production queue. The Alpha5 is expected to retail at around $125,000 upon its release, which could potentially allow DeLorean to generate up to $10 million in revenue from these early reservations. This innovative step aligns with a growing trend in the automotive industry, where digital assets like NFTs are being adopted to streamline and modernise the customer experience.
In the wider context of electric vehicle innovation, the competition continues to intensify, particularly in China, where CATL has unveiled its latest ‘Choco-SEB’ battery pack. Notably, this new battery technology allows for a rapid swapping process that takes a mere 100 seconds—significantly reducing the time users spend waiting for a recharge. This leap in efficiency is aimed at revolutionising the EV landscape, with CATL planning to deploy over 1,000 battery swap stations across 31 cities by 2025, enhancing the convenience of electric vehicle ownership. The Choco-SEB battery packs have already been integrated into models like the Oshan 520, marking a crucial milestone in making electric vehicles more accessible and user-friendly.
Figures reveal that the market is shifting, with electric vehicles gaining traction not just in developed countries but also in emerging markets. For instance, in Kenya, the electric motorcycle sector is experiencing a notable surge, with sales reported at 2,557 units in 2023, accounting for 3.6% of total motorcycle sales. Companies like ARC Ride are spearheading this change by installing charging stations and providing battery-as-a-service solutions. This aligns with the global push towards cleaner transportation options, a movement that has garnered both investment and consumer interest.
As the automotive landscape evolves, it is critical for manufacturers, particularly in traditional markets, to remain agile in response to these advancements. The emergence of electric vehicles and smart technology is shaping a new era of transportation, where speed, efficiency, and sustainability are paramount. DeLorean’s foray into the market with its Alpha5 reflects a broader transformation in how cars are designed, sold, and enjoyed, signalling a future where digital currencies and eco-friendly technologies converge for a new generation of drivers.
In conclusion, DeLorean is not merely re-entering the automotive market; it is making a concerted effort to redefine it. As the industry adapts to new technological advancements and consumer preferences, the potential for electric vehicles, enhanced by innovations like battery swapping and NFT reservations, presents an exciting frontier. This intersection of technology and mobility is not just a fleeting trend; it is setting the stage for the future of transportation.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.evworld.com/index.php?rssID=98218 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.evworld.com/index.php?rssID=98218 – DeLorean has opened reservations for 4,000 Alpha5 electric vehicles, priced at $2,500 each. Prospective customers must obtain a digital reservation token, with ‘Build Slot’ NFTs being random and not offering priority. The Alpha5 is expected to be priced around $125,000 upon release, potentially generating $10 million in revenue from these reservations.
- https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/catl-says-it-will-build-over-1000-battery-swapping-stations-2025-2024-12-18/ – CATL announced plans to co-develop 10 new electric vehicle models with automakers that use swappable batteries, aiming to lead a trend that could replace a third of gasoline stations in China. The company plans to build 1,000 battery swapping stations next year and accelerate this process with partners. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/catl-says-it-will-build-over-1000-battery-swapping-stations-2025-2024-12-18/?utm_source=openai))
- https://carnewschina.com/2024/12/23/catls-choco-seb-battery-swap-stations-will-take-100-seconds-to-swap-a-battery-daily-capacity-822-cars/ – CATL’s Choco-SEB battery swap stations are designed to swap batteries in 100 seconds, with a daily capacity of 822 swaps. The stations will have 14 to 30 large battery compartments, and the cost of using a Choco-SEB battery swap subscription is 0.1 yuan/km (0.014 USD). ([carnewschina.com](https://carnewschina.com/2024/12/23/catls-choco-seb-battery-swap-stations-will-take-100-seconds-to-swap-a-battery-daily-capacity-822-cars/?utm_source=openai))
- https://carnewschina.com/2025/03/18/nio-to-adopt-catls-choco-seb-battery-swap-standard-companies-to-build-swap-network-together/ – Nio and CATL announced a partnership to build a battery swap network together. Nio’s brand Firefly will adopt CATL’s Choco-SEB standard, and CATL will invest 2.5 billion yuan (346 million USD) into Nio Power, the company’s battery swap unit. ([carnewschina.com](https://carnewschina.com/2025/03/18/nio-to-adopt-catls-choco-seb-battery-swap-standard-companies-to-build-swap-network-together/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.electrive.com/2024/12/19/catl-unveils-battery-packs-for-battery-swapping/ – CATL presented two standardized batteries, the 20# and 25#, designed for battery swapping. The company plans to build 1,000 battery swapping stations in China next year, with the goal of having 30,000 swap stations by 2030. ([electrive.com](https://www.electrive.com/2024/12/19/catl-unveils-battery-packs-for-battery-swapping/?utm_source=openai))
- https://carnewschina.com/2025/04/23/catl-unveils-10-new-battery-swap-models-with-5-major-chinese-automakers – CATL unveiled 10 new battery swap models with five major Chinese automakers, including Changan, GAC, Hongqi, SAIC, and BAIC. The standardized ‘chocolate’ battery packs, named 20# and 25#, offer different capacities and chemistries, providing users with ‘power on demand.’ ([carnewschina.com](https://carnewschina.com/2025/04/23/catl-unveils-10-new-battery-swap-models-with-5-major-chinese-automakers?utm_source=openai))
