Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO has revealed that 60% of its EV drivers prefer to swap batteries at quick change stations, rather than plugging in and recharging. This comes as a validation of NIO’s long-term investment in battery-swapping technology, which has been a core part of its strategy since its inception in 2014. According to NIO, the trend is growing, and more and more drivers of its models are opting to visit battery-swapping stations. The data backing this claim comes from over 6.2 billion miles (10 billion kilometers) driven by NIO vehicles across China and Europe, where the car brand operates 1,383 Power Swap Stations.
NIO’s commitment to investing in a power-swapping network is further supported by the fact that its vehicles have traveled a massive distance, amounting to more than 26,000 trips to the moon and back. This data provides evidence that the battery swap model is a viable and effective solution for EVs, contrary to what some critics have claimed. NIO’s success with battery swapping technology is a significant milestone for the industry, as it could help pave the way for a more convenient and accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Power swap stations
NIO, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled its third-generation Power Swap Station capable of doing 408 battery swaps per day, a 30% increase compared to its previous iteration. The average time for a battery swap across the entire network is just 1.6 seconds, making it the fastest solution for EV drivers who are in a hurry. NIO’s Power Swap Stations allow EVs to autonomously park and switch for a fresh, fully charged battery pack in less than five minutes. Compared to traditional charging from a DC fast charger, swapping batteries is a faster approach for drivers running low on power and needing to get back on the road quickly.
The company’s focus on improving its battery-swapping technology is a significant milestone for the industry. It offers a convenient and time-efficient solution for EV drivers, especially those on long journeys. Additionally, battery swapping can reduce the overall cost of EV ownership by eliminating the need for individual vehicle batteries, which can be costly to replace. Overall, NIO’s third-generation Power Swap Station is a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions to the EV market. It highlights the potential of battery-swapping technology as a viable and efficient solution for the future of electric vehicles. Earlier this month, NIO, the Chinese electric car manufacturer, achieved a significant milestone by completing its 20 million battery swap at the NIO Power Swap Station in Hangzhou, China. The accomplishment demonstrates the company’s reliability and establishes it as a trusted solution for EV drivers.
Landmark for Nio
CEO William Li expressed his pride in reaching this landmark, stating that it confirms the company’s commitment to providing reliable and innovative power solutions for its loyal users. NIO’s range of power solutions, including battery swap stations, offers the freedom to travel without worrying about running out of power as a reliable power solution is always readily available. NIO’s achievement in performing 20 million battery swaps is a testament to the company’s dedication to battery-swapping technology and the potential it holds for the EV industry. As the number of EVs on the roads continues to increase, battery-swapping technology can offer a convenient and efficient charging solution for drivers, providing a faster and hassle-free alternative to conventional charging methods.
In the coming months, NIO, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is planning to expand its Power Swap Station network by opening approximately 1,000 more stations in China and up to 70 additional stations in Europe. The company’s focus on expanding its battery-swapping network highlights its commitment to providing a convenient and reliable power solution for EV drivers.
