Chijet Motor Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: CJET) surged 32.7% in premarket trading on Monday after unveiling a landmark digital-asset agreement with EdgeAI Frontier Technology Ltd., marking one of the largest crypto-aligned transactions announced by an automaker to date. The deal allows Chijet to acquire up to $1 billion worth of EdgeAI tokens at a significant 20% discount to prevailing market prices. This structure immediately injects value into the company’s balance sheet while positioning it squarely at the intersection of manufacturing and blockchain technology.

According to Chijet, the agreement is expected to create approximately $200 million in upfront value based on current token prices. This windfall will establish a new cryptocurrency treasury for the automaker, a strategic step that mirrors a growing trend among tech-forward corporations seeking diversification into digital assets. The transaction deepens the partnership initially unveiled earlier this year, signaling Chijet’s intention to integrate blockchain capabilities more directly into its long-term strategy.

The deal spans five years and outlines several tiers of collaboration. Most notably, Chijet will become a validator node on the EdgeAI blockchain, a role that enables it to earn staking rewards and establish a recurring revenue stream independent of its traditional automotive operations. Validator status also means Chijet will participate in the security and functioning of the EdgeAI network—an increasingly valuable position as blockchain adoption expands across enterprise and AI applications.

EdgeAI, for its part, will serve as Chijet’s primary digital-asset advisor, guiding the automaker on token acquisition strategies, treasury optimization, regulatory compliance, and risk management. This advisory structure is designed to help Chijet navigate the complexities of digital asset markets, giving the company a competitive edge as it bridges its legacy business with emerging Web3 technologies.

CEO Melissa Chen described the agreement as transformative, highlighting both its financial and strategic impact. “Securing up to $1 billion in high-quality digital assets on such advantageous terms represents a rare opportunity,” she said. “This transaction creates substantial immediate value for our shareholders, approximately $200 million, and strengthens our bridge between traditional manufacturing and the rapidly evolving digital economy.”

Looking ahead, the two companies also plan to explore the co-development of a multi-strategy digital asset investment vehicle, which could expand Chijet’s exposure to broader blockchain ecosystems beyond the EdgeAI network. All activities under the agreement, including token purchases, staking operations, and treasury decisions, will follow internal governance policies and applicable regulatory frameworks, Chijet emphasised.

Monday’s sharp stock reaction suggests investors are embracing the company’s pivot into digital assets, viewing the agreement as both a financial catalyst and a long-term positioning move as AI and blockchain industries increasingly converge.