Introduction | Lead

The electric swap model has always been different from extended-range and hybrid models. Extended-range models have enjoyed policy benefits for years, and hybrids have also been gradually improving. Only the electric swap model has remained stagnant. Deeply rooted in this field, NIO, with the glory of being a leader, has also had to shoulder the heavy pressure of insufficient income. As NIO's founder, Li Bin, said, electric swaps are difficult but correct. Now, with NIO's continuous efforts, the electric swap model is starting to show signs of growth.

Produced by | Heyan Yueche Studio

Written by | Chen Dejun

Edited by | Heyanzi

Total words: 2783

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

NIO is intensifying its efforts in the electric swap field.

On June 13, NIO officially launched its first batch of fourth-generation battery swap stations, supporting multi-brand and multi-model autonomous battery swaps for users of NIO, Ledao, and other strategic partners. Compared to the previous generation, NIO's fourth-generation battery swap stations have improved battery swap speed by 22%, with the fastest swap taking only 2 minutes and 24 seconds. The number of battery slots has increased to 23, and the maximum daily service capacity can reach 480 swaps. NIO's fourth-generation battery swap stations are equipped with 6 ultra-wide-angle lidar sensors and 4 OrinX chips, with a computing power of 1016TOPS, supporting one-button automatic battery swaps and off-vehicle autonomous battery swaps.

At the end of last month, NIO Energy Investment (Hubei) Co., Ltd. announced that it had obtained a strategic investment of 1.5 billion yuan from institutions such as Wuhan Guangchuang Emerging Technology Venture Capital Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership). This is undoubtedly a life-saving elixir for NIO, which has been in a loss-making state, and a strong boost for the electric swap camp. The most intuitive benefit for users may be a more intensive coverage of battery swap stations.

Li Bin is determined to bet on electric swaps

The anxiety of charging is not just about queuing during holidays. It's about always reserving a space in one's mind to plan for recharging. This is not a huge burden for the human brain, but it is a bit annoying. In contrast, the electric swap model does not have such worries. A fast swap can fully recharge in just 2 minutes. Usually, there is no need to consider when to recharge. When the battery level is low, just visit a nearby battery swap station. It's similar to filling up a gas tank. Completing a recharge in 2-8 minutes is the basic skill of electric swap users, which the charging model can only envy.

△NIO's battery swap stations operate smoothly

The issue is not just speed. To charge faster, high voltage is crucial. However, high voltage brings with it problems such as the risk of fire and accidental electrocution, requiring heat dissipation equipment and placing a heavy load on the power grid. Fast charging also accelerates the wear and tear of batteries and equipment. It is difficult to say whether it is worth the cost to achieve such efficiency gains.

The benefits of electric swaps for both car owners and car companies are in the purchase cost. Batteries are a significant cost, and by omitting the battery, car owners can enjoy a high-end driving experience with a smaller investment. When selling a used car, there is also no need to consider battery depreciation. Car companies, on the other hand, gain a competitive advantage through lower prices. Taking NIO's BASS program, which separates the car and battery, as an example, selling a car without a battery is usually 7-12.8 million yuan cheaper than the original car price.

adv