CHINA electric-vehicle makers nio and Chongqing Changan Automobile signed an agreement to cooperate on battery swapping, the latest trend among Chinese EV startups partnering with traditional carmakers, reports Caixin.
The companies will collaborate in areas that cover ownership, technologies, maintenance and financing of swappable EV batteries, Nio said. Changan Auto chairman Zhu Huarong added that the carmakers will expand cooperation in other areas too, including vehicle development.
Batteries are the most expensive component of an EV, and accessibility to charging stations continues to be a major problem.
With swapping technology, an EV can be driven into a booth where the depleted battery is removed and replaced with a charged power pack. At the newest facilities, the process is automated and can be completed in minutes.
Nio introduced its 'battery-as-a-service' programme in 2020, where owners buy a Nio car shell-reducing the upfront cost-and pay rental fees for the swappable battery.
SeaNews Turkey
The companies will collaborate in areas that cover ownership, technologies, maintenance and financing of swappable EV batteries, Nio said. Changan Auto chairman Zhu Huarong added that the carmakers will expand cooperation in other areas too, including vehicle development.
Batteries are the most expensive component of an EV, and accessibility to charging stations continues to be a major problem.
With swapping technology, an EV can be driven into a booth where the depleted battery is removed and replaced with a charged power pack. At the newest facilities, the process is automated and can be completed in minutes.
Nio introduced its 'battery-as-a-service' programme in 2020, where owners buy a Nio car shell-reducing the upfront cost-and pay rental fees for the swappable battery.
SeaNews Turkey