One of the things that sets NIO, a Chinese maker of electric automobiles, apart is its focus on battery swapping technology. Drive in to one its 136 automated swap stations along many of China’s busiest highways with a depleted battery and drive out a few minutes later with a full charged battery ready to complete your journey.
NIO Power, the subsidiary that operates the battery swapping stations, completed its 500,000th swap. What makes the idea so appealing? NIO Power focuses on what it calls its “chargeable, swappable, upgradable” user experience.
Not only do drivers get a fully charged battery, they also get a complimentary inspection of their car’s electric powertrain.
The battery swapping service is also eligible for subsidies from the Chinese government through the end of 2022. As 0f May 20, NIO Power has constructed 136 battery swapping stations in and around 58 Chinese cities.
The key features which lead to NIO Power’s popularity are:-
- The world’s first battery swap technology of its kind: An ultimate and exclusive power service experience enabled by over 500 patented technologies.
- The fastest power supply solution: Fully-automatic battery swap in 3 minutes*, faster than refueling.
- The most reassured service experience: Automatic battery and electric system checks during each swap to ensure the car and battery at their best.
- Compact modular design: The smallest power swap station in the world, taking up only three parking spaces, yet scalable with modularity.
Battery swapping also means customers always have the latest battery technology available to them and they can choose to upgrade to a larger, more powerful battery at any time. Drive in, drive out. Easy!
Reference- NIO online Newsroom, Clean Technica, Autocar UK, Chinese News Agency