In the race for electric vehicle (EV) supremacy, Nio, the Chinese trailblazer, is set to redefine the game with its latest innovation—a colossal “semi-solid state” 150kWh battery.
Nio’s revolutionary stride in EV technology is embodied in its upcoming release featuring a groundbreaking “semi-solid state” 150kWh battery, distinguishing it as the largest in any passenger car to date. In an astonishing display of prowess, CEO William Li took the wheel of the ET7, charting an exceptional course of 1,044 kilometers in a mere 14 hours. This feat outpaces many traditional gas-powered vehicles and underscores Nio’s commitment to pushing the limits of EV endurance.
The endurance test unfolded under cool temperatures, livestreamed for transparency, and driven predominantly in semi-autonomous mode, known as “Navigate-on-Pilot+,” with a speed cap of 90 km/h (56 MPH). The average speed of 83.9 km/h (52.4 MPH) resulted in a travel time of 12.4 hours, excluding stops—a testament to the formidable capabilities of Nio’s cutting-edge battery technology.
In a celebratory Weibo post, CEO William Li proclaimed, “The completion of this endurance challenge proves the product power of the 150kWh ultra-long endurance battery pack.” Li also emphasized the adaptability of Nio’s entire lineup, indicating that all models could flexibly upgrade to the 150kWh batteries through Nio’s battery swap system, reinforcing Nio’s commitment to innovation.
However, the remarkable 150kWh battery for the ET7 comes with a unique twist—it will only be available as a separate lease, following a model seen in certain European cars. Earlier indications from Nio suggested that the standalone battery could carry a price tag equivalent to an entire entry-level ET5 EV, roughly around $42,000.
Engineered by WeLion New Energy Technology, the semi-solid state battery boasts an impressive single-cell energy density of 360 Wh/kg or 260 Wh/kg for the entire pack, outperforming Tesla’s latest cells. While semi-solid state batteries offer enhanced energy density and fire resistance, the coveted goal of full solid-state batteries, potentially doubling energy density, remains on the horizon.
While the 150kWh battery pack may not hit American shores due to recent regulatory changes impacting tax credits, Nio’s strategic move as a luxury EV manufacturer offering a battery-as-a-service (BAAS) subscription remains a unique and flexible approach in the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles.
Nio’s journey into uncharted territories marks a significant leap forward, signaling a promising era for the future of electric mobility.