NIO, one of the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in China, has recently filed a second application with the Chinese government to include its solid-state battery technology in 11 more EV models. This move indicates that NIO is confident in its innovative battery solution and aims to offer longer range and faster charging for its current and future customers.
What are solid-state batteries and why are they important for EVs?
Solid-state batteries are a type of battery that use solid electrolytes instead of liquid or gel ones. This makes them safer, lighter, and more energy-dense than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state batteries also have the potential to reduce the cost and environmental impact of battery production and recycling.
For EVs, solid-state batteries could provide significant advantages over current battery technologies. According to NIO, its 150 kWh solid-state battery pack can deliver a range of over 1,000 km on a single charge, compared to around 600 km for its 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Moreover, solid-state batteries can support faster charging speeds, as NIO claims that its solid-state battery pack can be fully charged in less than 15 minutes.
How did NIO develop its solid-state battery technology?
NIO has been working on its solid-state battery technology for several years, in collaboration with Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology, a leading developer of solid-state batteries in China. WeLion has a subsidiary called Huzhou WeLion Technology Co., which supplies the battery cells to NIO. NIO then assembles the battery packs at its own facility in Nanjing.
NIO first unveiled its solid-state battery technology at the Nio Day 2020 event held on January 9, 2021, along with its flagship sedan, the Nio ET7. The ET7 is expected to be the first model to feature the solid-state battery pack when it launches in the summer of 2023. However, NIO has not yet started delivering the solid-state battery pack to its customers.
Which models will benefit from NIO’s solid-state battery technology?
According to a report by CnEVPost, NIO has submitted a second filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China to update the specifications of 11 more EV models with the solid-state battery technology. The filing does not include any new models, but rather covers nine SUVs and two sedans that are either already on sale or planned for the future.
The nine SUVs are the ES6, ES8, EC6, ES9, ES10, ES11, ES12, ES13, and ES14. The two sedans are the ET5 and ET6. The filing also reveals some details about the dimensions, powertrain, and performance of these models. For example, the ET5 is a mid-sized sedan that measures 4.9 meters long and has a dual-motor system with a combined output of 480 kW. The ET6 is a compact sedan that measures 4.6 meters long and has a single-motor system with an output of 240 kW.
The filing with the MIIT is a necessary step before any model can be sold or updated in China. The public can submit their feedback on the filing until October 23.
What does this mean for NIO and the EV industry?
NIO’s filing shows that it is serious about expanding its solid-state battery technology to more models and segments. This could give it a competitive edge over other EV makers in China and abroad, as well as attract more customers who value range and charging convenience. NIO’s solid-state battery technology could also help it achieve its goal of becoming a global EV brand, as it plans to enter new markets such as Europe and North America.
However, NIO is not the only player in the field of solid-state batteries. Other EV makers such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Ford are also developing or investing in solid-state battery technologies. Moreover, there are still some technical challenges and uncertainties associated with mass production and commercialization of solid-state batteries. Therefore, NIO will have to overcome these hurdles and deliver on its promises before it can reap the benefits of its solid-state battery technology.
