Chinese electric vehicle automaker NIO has just introduced a new battery chemistry for its Standard battery pack option for its 2024 model year offerings. According to the local news platform CnEVPost, NIO will replace its current Hybrid-Cell LFP/NCM battery chemistry with a 100% LFP.
NIO introduces a new battery chemistry to cut costs
NIO will start using a new all-LFP 75-kWh battery with its 2024 electric vehicle models, replacing the prior dual-chemistry (LFP/NCM) Standard battery.
The move is apparently part of the Chinese electric automaker’s efforts to streamline production and reduce costs. As we already know, LFP is among the cheapest battery chemistry per kWh. However, it delivers lower energy density than other li-ion battery types.
NIO’s battery pack innovations
NIO originally equipped its electric vehicle models with a 70-kWh all-NCM Standard battery and an optional 100-kWh upgrade. In late 2021, the Chinese smart EV maker updated the original battery chemistry to a 75-kWh hybrid pack (LFP/NCM). It apparently improved the energy density and increased total energy despite the use of LFP cells, which have lower energy density than NCM.
In a significant development, NIO decided to fully switch to LFP cells from Chinese battery giant CATL. It will retain its 75-kWh capacity, easing production complexity compared to the prior integration of the two cell types. It also eliminates the need for a special battery management system), enabling the company to cut costs.
Benefits of the new battery
The new battery cell’s cost reductions would be crucial for NIO, considering the intensifying price war in the Chinese electric vehicle market.
In addition, it will also come with several performance improvements. NIO apparently optimized its new battery technology in numerous aspects, including algorithms, materials, and performance.
For instance, it boosts the battery’s maximum DC fast charging power from just 140 kilowatts to 170 kW. Moreover, it reduces the charging time to hit 10% to 80% SOC by 3 minutes to 27 minutes. The new LFP battery also enables a pretty good life cycle and safety.
NIO plans to officially launch the new LFP battery upon the arrival of its 2024 MY offerings. However, it has yet to announce if the new battery will be compatible with its battery swap system.
