Nio to expand use of solid-state batteries

Nio wants to significantly expand the use of battery packs with semi-solid-state cells in its electric cars - potentially to eleven more models, according to documents from China's regulatory agency.

In July, Chinese battery specialist WeLion delivered its first semi-solid-state battery cells to electric car manufacturer Nio, which plans to use them in its 150 kWh battery pack. Since such modified model specifications are reported in China, the extent of Nio’s planned use of these cells can be tracked: In May, the company applied to use semi-solid batteries in three models.

That was only the vanguard. According to the Chinese EV portal CN EV Post, applications have now been submitted to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for extended product specifications with semi-solid-state cells from WeLion for eleven models – specifically for nine SUVs and two sedans.

Nio first announced the 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery at the launch of its flagship ET7 sedan in January 2021. In November 2022, the first semi-solid-state cells rolled off the production line at WeLion’s factory in Huzhou. In July 2023, the first tranche went to Nio, and the carmaker planned to start the first deliveries of electric cars with these battery packs shortly afterwards. However, according to CN EV Post, this has not happened yet.

Nio currently has eight models on offer, with the ES8, ES7, ES6, EC7, EC6, ET7, ET5 and ET5 Touring. The models are all designed for battery swapping, but can also be charged regularly. A battery development cooperation was also recently announced with SVOLT.

cnevpost.com