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Jan 20, 2024

The Beijing WeLion Battery: Powering Nio's Electric Vehicle Lineup

The Beijing WeLion battery, a solid state battery developed by Chinese automaker Nio, is set to power all Nio models, ranging from the luxurious ET7 sedan to the sporty ES8 SUV. A prominent feature of

The Beijing WeLion battery, a solid state battery developed by Chinese automaker Nio, is set to power all Nio models, ranging from the luxurious ET7 sedan to the sporty ES8 SUV. A prominent feature of this battery is its impressive driving range. An ET7 equipped with the 150kWh solid state battery can go as far as 1,100km on a single charge.

Currently, the electric vehicle with the longest driving range available globally is the top-end model of Lucid Motors’ Air sedan, boasting a range of 516 miles (830km) according to Car and Driver magazine. However, Nio’s ET7 with the 150kWh battery surpasses this, making it a standout option for those seeking extended range capabilities.

It is worth noting that the WeLion battery, due to its high production cost, may not be affordable for all car owners. However, its commercial use signifies a significant step forward for Chinese automakers in their pursuit of a leading position in the global electric vehicle industry.

Nio, along with other Chinese companies such as Xpeng and Li Auto, is often seen as China’s response to Tesla. These companies aim to provide high-performance batteries, advanced digital cockpits, and preliminary autonomous driving technologies to meet the demands of the evolving EV market.

In addition to its advanced battery technology, Nio is strengthening its swappable-battery business model. This model allows drivers to quickly swap out their depleted battery for a fully charged one, minimizing waiting times and enabling them to get back on the road within minutes. Nio plans to build 1,000 additional swappable-battery stations this year with a more efficient design, bringing the total number of stations to 2,300 by December.

The swappable-battery stations serve Nio’s customers who opt for battery-as-a-service, a model that reduces the initial purchase price of the vehicle but charges a monthly fee for the battery service. Nio’s new stations have the capacity to swap 408 battery packs per day, which is a 30% increase compared to the existing stations. The advanced technology implemented in these stations allows for automatic navigation of the car into the correct position for battery swapping, making the process seamless and time-efficient.

To further strengthen its financial position, Nio recently announced that it will receive a capital injection of US$738.5 million from CYVN Holdings, an Abu Dhabi government-backed firm. This move reflects Nio’s dedication to fortifying its balance sheet in China’s competitive and rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

In conclusion, the introduction of the Beijing WeLion battery, with its impressive driving range, marks a significant milestone for Nio and the Chinese electric vehicle industry. As Nio expands its network of swappable-battery stations and secures additional funding, it strives to establish a prominent position in the global market, competing with industry giants like Tesla.