Chinese electric automaker NIO remains on track to launch the official operations of its new 150-kWh semi-solid-state battery pack on June 1 after a month-long trial, CnEVPost reports.
NIO’s new 150kWh battery now available for rent
NIO will finally offer the new 150-kWh battery pack for rent starting on Saturday.
NIO owners can rent the ultra-long-range battery daily, boosting their electric vehicles’ driving range to 1,000 kilometers maximum driving range.
It is indeed a significant advancement, considering that NIO has only offered 70/75-kWh standard-range and 100-kWh long-range battery packs at its existing battery swap stations.
Now, users of these two battery packs can rent the new 150-kWh battery pack whether or not they acquired the EV based on the BaaS (battery as a service) model.
However, the new 150-kWh battery pack only currently allows daily rental, unlike the 100-kWh pack that offers monthly, annual, or permanent upgrades.
Prices
Standard battery pack users only need to pay RMB 150 ($21) per day in the initial week to upgrade to the 150-kWh battery pack.
Meanwhile, 100-kWh battery pack users must pay RMB 100 daily to get the 150-kWh battery pack upgrade.
After the first seven days of usage, NIO will ask users to pay an extra RMB 50 per day if they want to continue using the ultra-long-range battery.
It must also be noted that these prices exclude the costs of using NIO’s battery swap service.
Expansion plans
NIO plans to expand the availability of the initial 150-kWh battery packs across China. It will prioritize key cities known for frequent long trips.
According to the report, the production of the new 150-kWh battery packs is still in a capacity creep phase.
For guidance, prospective users can rent the 150-kWh pack at NIO’s battery swap stations where it is available. However, they can return the battery packs at any NIO battery swap station in China.
About the 150kWh semi-solid battery
In hindsight, NIO introduced the 150-kWh semi-solid-state battery with the launch of the ET7 electric sedan on January 9, 2021, during the NIO Day 2020 event.
Chinese startup Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology developed the 150-kWh battery cells. On June 30 last year, it kicked off the supply of 360 Wh/kg lithium battery cells to the EV maker.
Considering the novelty of the battery technology, it is unsurprising that it currently has a high price. According to NIO President Qin Lihong’s remarks early last year, the battery pack costs as much as an ET5 EV. For reference, the ET5 has a base price of RMB 298,000 (including the battery pack).
NIO continues to make strides in improving EV driving range, as demonstrated by the new 150-kWh battery pack. It offers NIO owners a driving range of up to 1,000 kilometers, significantly outperforming previous offerings. This innovative battery tech will undoubtedly pave the way for future advancements in electric vehicle range and consumer choice.
