First semi-solid-state batteries are coming to Nio in September

Nio is about to get the first batch of the 150kWh semi-solid-state battery packs from its supplier WeLion. The delivery of the initial batch is scheduled for September with the mass production to begin in the 4th quarter of this year.

Nio ET7 will be the first vehicle to receive the 150 kWh battery packs and this will result in NEDC range of over 1,000 km according to the manufacturer. The quoted energy density is 360 Wh/kg.

The plans to introduce the semi-solid-state battery to the market were received initially with a lot of skepticism since there is no solid-state batteries in mass production available, but the company persevered and the first results are seemingly on its way. The battery pack features solid electrolyte, silicon-carbon composite anode and ultra-high nickel cathode according to the latest reports.

The 150 kWh battery packs from WeLion are apparently not much more expensive than the current liquid electrolyte batteries, which helped NIO to make the purchase decision. Nio will make the batteries available to all customers, allowing them to change the existing battery packs at one of the company’s battery swap stations.

Other companies have tried offering electric cars with over 1,000 km range, but it’s not always as easy as it sounds. GAC Aion for example - another car from Chinese automaker - offers its Aion LX Plus with a 144.4 kWh battery pack that gives the car a claimed range of over 1,000 km.

Unfortunately the car’s performance is less than impressive with acceleration times twice as long as those of models with standard battery packs. The other downside is the price - GAC asks RMB 180,000 premium for the larger battery which makes the car nearly twice as expensive as the smaller battery version.

Nio is sure about its plans and the costs are not going to deter the company from introducing new technology. We can’t wait to see the new battery in action and as soon as we see or hear first reviews, first tests and impressions, we will share them here.

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