Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, Nio, marks a significant technological milestone for the industry with the utilization of semi-solid-state battery cells from WeLion in their cars. This notable event aimed to achieve the completion of its first range of electric vehicles furnished with 150 kWh battery packs by the end of July, following the initial cell delivery.
The process wasn’t without its share of hiccups, as there were numerous delays experienced in acquiring and incorporating these semi-solid state cells. Nevertheless, by July, Nio was set with an energy-dense 150 kWh battery pack. This novel development was first confirmed by Nio’s Chairman and CEO, William Li in May. The declaration was synchronized with the launch of Nio’s new ES6 model equipped with the advanced battery, anticipated to achieve an exceptional driving range of 930 kilometres.
Details about the 150 kWh battery pack are minimal besides its extraordinary energy density, reported to be at 360 Wh/kg. It is also known that Nio vehicles equipped with these battery packs only have a slight increase in weight compared to the previous models. These battery cells consist of a solid electrolyte and an anode material composed of silicon graphite composite, also featuring a cathode with ultra-high nickel content.
To the public’s surprise, it was revealed during a February event by Nio’s President and Co-founder, Qin Lihong, that the cost of the 150 kWh battery pack is quite reasonable, being comparable to that of an ET5 Sedan – a model whose price starts at roughly 38,000 euros. It’s important to mention, however, the battery pack was initially made available only for rental.
Nio stands out from other auto manufacturers with their unique business model that offers battery swap technology in all their models. As a result, this gives customers the flexibility to replace the battery model based on necessities. While initially, this swap was limited only to identical batteries, following a pilot project in December 2021, Nio announced customers can now upgrade their battery packs based on their specific requirements.
Battery supplier, WeLion, is a specialist company based in Beijing that launched their first semi-solid-state battery production in December 2022 in Huzhou, located in east China’s Zhejiang province. This feat was reached within a year of factory construction, and additional advancements soon followed with the announcement of hybrid battery cells construction and a research and development center.
Though Nio has significantly benefited from its collaboration with WeLion, this industry partnership is not exclusive. Under the leadership of its General Manager, Tian Qiyou, WeLion seeks to partner with leading global automakers for the mass production of semi-solid-state batteries, further paving way for the future of electric vehicle technology.