In the expansive landscape of the Chinese automotive industry, one name stands out, gaining both fame and acclaim not only in its domestic market but also across Europe: Nio. Often referred to as the “Tesla of the East,” Nio has captured the attention of the public due to the quality of its products and the visionary leadership of its founder and current CEO, William Li.
Established in 2014 as a startup, Nio swiftly revolutionized the Chinese automotive sector, following in the footsteps of Tesla with highly technological vehicles, modern design, and a touch of European flair. Its presence is now well-established in Scandinavian markets, The Netherlands and Germany, but the brand has plans to expand into the other big european markets (France and Italy) between 2024 and 2025. Let’s delve into the story of Nio.
Nio, the blue sky
The Chinese name “Nio” translates to “Blue Sky is Coming.” Founded in 2014, the company aimed to build a brighter and more sustainable future through advanced electric vehicles.
The company stands out for its continuous innovations, including Swapping Battery technology, the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program, and Autonomous-Driving-as-a-Service (ADaaS) technology. However, it is the Swapping Battery feature that truly sets Nio apart. The brand has built its identity around this technology, and it is renowned for its swapping stations, which are also present in Europe.
The Swapping Battery
Nio’s Swapping Battery technology allows owners to visit Power Swap stations to exchange depleted batteries for new ones.
This process takes only 3 minutes, providing a convenient alternative to traditional charging, which can be time-consuming at charging stations. As of July 2022, Nio had 1,047 Power Swap stations and 948 Power Charger stations in China, where this technology has seen considerable success.
In Europe, Nio had to adjust its station deployment plans due to the bureaucratic pace typical of European countries and the underutilization of existing stations. Access to these stations is limited to those who have not purchased the battery but opted for a rental subscription with the BaaS program. Europeans, however, tend to prefer ownership, opting for traditional charging at charging stations.
Autonomous Driving
Nio plans to launch its Autonomous Driving technology, known as NIO Autonomous Driving (NAD), with a monthly subscription.
This technology will cover various scenarios, including highways, urban roads, parking, and battery swapping. Currently, its deployment is limited to China due to European restrictions on autonomous driving experiments.
Super-charging stations
While Nio’s core focus is on Swapping Battery technology, it positions itself primarily in China as a provider of high-power charging stations, much like Tesla.
However, unlike Tesla’s Superchargers, which “only” reach 200 kW, Nio’s charging stations in China can deliver up to an impressive 500 kW, among the most powerful in the world. These stations are compatible with vehicles equipped with large batteries and 800-volt systems, allowing them to recharge at their maximum capacity, even when connected to both charging points.
Current Nio Lineup in Denmark, Sweden and Norway
Here is an overview of Nio’s current product lineup:
- ES8: Nio’s flagship SUV, available in six or seven-seat versions. This model is only available in Norway.
- EC7 (Not in Europe): Medium to large-sized SUV, the fastest car ever produced by Nio.
- ES7/EL7: The big SUV with luxury interiors and a modern design. The european name is EL7.
- ES6/EL6: Mid-sized five-seater SUV with high performance. The european name is EL6.
- EC6 (Not in Europe): Five-seater electric coupe SUV with a sporty design.
- ET7: Medium to large-sized electric sedan, Nio’s second flagship product.
- ET5: More compact mid-sized sedan, also available in a Touring version as ET5T. This model has been specifically designed for the European market.
Nio’s future
Looking ahead, Nio aims to further expand its battery swapping stations through the NIO Power 2025 plan.
The company plans to install 600 new Power Swap stations annually in China by 2025, with the ultimate goal of reaching 4,000 stations worldwide by the same date.
Nio began its international expansion by entering the Norwegian market in 2021 and subsequently expanding into Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark in 2022. The company aims to be present in 25 European countries by 2025. Nio’s vision extends beyond the borders of China, and as it continues to make strides in the electric vehicle market, its impact is increasingly felt on a global scale.
