
A groundbreaking achievement in electric vehicle technology emerged from China as an electric car manufacturer, Nio, showcased a battery capable of powering a vehicle for over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge.
According to Shanghai-based Nio, this next-generation battery, set to enter mass production in April 2024, outshines any other existing electric or fuel-powered vehicle on the market, offering an unparalleled extended range.
During a live-streamed event, Nio's CEO, William Li, personally drove the all-electric ET7 for a remarkable distance of 1,044 kilometres (649 miles). This feat, which took 14 hours, saw the vehicle travel from Zhejiang province to Fujian province at an average speed of 84 kilometres per hour. Additionally, a separate untelevised test reported the battery's capability to cover 1,145 kilometres.
In a Weibo post, Li stated, "The successful completion of this endurance challenge demonstrates the robust capabilities of the 150kWh ultra-long endurance battery pack. Currently, this battery is the world's highest energy density pack in mass production, boasting exceptional safety performance. Moreover, all our models currently available for purchase can be seamlessly upgraded to accommodate the 150kWh batteries via Nio's battery swap system."
Nio has adopted an unconventional approach to charging vehicles, favouring a battery-swap system over traditional plug-in recharging methods. This innovative mechanism permits the exchange of an empty battery for a fully charged one in less than three minutes, similar to refuelling a conventional vehicle.
The company offers customers the option to buy a vehicle without a battery and subscribe to a monthly fee to access batteries within Nio's extensive network.