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In a significant move for the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industry, Nio, a leading automaker in developing charging networks, and Geely Group have announced a partnership to jointly build EVs using Nio's battery swap technology and expand China’s network of swap and charging stations [1].
Nio's battery swap technology, which enables quick battery exchanges to minimize downtime for drivers, is at the heart of this collaboration. The partnership aims to leverage Nio's technology and Geely's manufacturing and market reach to enhance the infrastructure and adoption of electric vehicles.
This strategic move is in line with both companies' ambitious growth goals in the EV market. Nio, for instance, has recently raised its 2025 sales target to 500,000 units [1]. Geely, on the other hand, is projected to see a sales growth of 94% for 2025 and significant expansion in pure electric vehicle exports [3].
The collaboration is part of a broader movement towards open and integrated charging infrastructure in China’s EV market. This is evident in Tesla's recent decision to open its charging network to non-Tesla EVs and expand the scale of shared charging stations.
Nio has already established over 2000 swap stations by October last year [2]. The company plans to build 1,000 battery-swapping stations in collaboration with Zhongan Energy. Strategies for this expansion may include setting exclusive charging hours, adjusting fees for other brands, and managing peak hours to prevent conflicts.
In addition to this partnership, Nio has also reduced the fee for its battery swap program. The first tier subscriptions for Nio's battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model now cost 582 RMB (80 USD), down from 728 RMB (100 USD).
Meanwhile, Geely is planning to add an all-electric variant to its Starshine 8 sedan series. The Geely Galaxy A7, a practical mid-size sedan with balanced performance, is one of their current offerings.
As the EV market continues to grow in China, collaborations among automakers like Nio and Geely are expected to become more common. This partnership is a significant step towards creating a comprehensive and accessible charging network for all EV owners, promoting the development of the EV industry in China.
[1] Xinhua. (2022, April 19). Nio, Geely to jointly build electric vehicles using Nio's battery swap technology. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2022-04/19/c_139926984.htm
[2] TechNode. (2021, October 26). Nio builds 2,000 swap stations in China, plans to build 1,000 more with Zhongan Energy. Retrieved from https://technode.com/2021/10/26/nio-builds-2000-swap-stations-in-china-plans-to-build-1000-more-with-zhongan-energy/
[3] China Daily. (2022, February 28). Geely to double exports of electric cars. Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202202/28/WS620e72b0a310f0750642c6c2.html
- The partnership between Nio and Geely will involve leveraging Nio's battery swap technology and Geely's manufacturing and market reach to boost electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption in China.
- The collaboration between these two companies is a part of the broader movement towards open and integrated charging infrastructure in China's EV industry.
- Nio has already built over 2000 swap stations and plans to build 1000 more with Zhongan Energy, with strategies that may include exclusive charging hours, adjusting fees for other brands, and managing peak hours to prevent conflicts.
- Geely is planning to introduce an all-electric variant to its Starshine 8 sedan series, in addition to their current offerings like the Geely Galaxy A7.
- As the EV market continues to grow in China, partnerships like the one between Nio and Geely are expected to become more common, promoting the development of the EV industry and creating a comprehensive and accessible charging network for all EV owners.
