Nio: First battery exchange stations launch in Germany

Back in April 2022, we reported that the battery exchange stations from Chinese car manufacturer Nio were also to come to Germany. Now the time has come, as the first station has now been opened.

Nio battery swap stations launch in Germany

In the fourth quarter, automaker Nio plans to launch its first e-car with a removable battery in this country. The Nio ET7 is scheduled to be offered in this country in the fourth quarter of 2022. Additional information is expected at the “A New Horizon” event on October 07.

Here, they want to “bring our innovative products and holistic service offering to even more European countries,” the manufacturer’s website states. Even before the market launch, however, one has put the first Power Swap Station (PSS) in Germany into operation.

Until the market launch, the company still wants to carry out final tests and calibrations in order to be ready for the launch of the brand. The PSS was created as a cooperation between Nio and Sortimo, the operator of one of the largest and most modern charging parks in Europe.

PSS commissioned on the A8

From there, the location of the first Nio Power Swap Station is no coincidence. The battery swap stations kick off on the A8 between Munich and Stuttgart at the Sortimo charging park.

The modern storage facility, the size of a double garage, will later enable up to 312 battery swaps per day. Up to 13 batteries will be charged with 40 kW to 80 kW in a grid and battery-friendly manner. Within just five minutes, the existing battery in the vehicle is completely replaced by a new, fully charged one.

During each replacement, the condition of the battery and the electrical system are carefully checked at the PSS. This is to ensure that both car and battery are in optimal condition.

In China, 860 of these Power Swap Stations have already been opened, at which, according to the manufacturer, 7.6 million battery changes have already been completed – as of April 2022. The battery change on the Nio ES8 electric SUV takes just 5 minutes and 20 seconds at the swap station in Norway. The vehicle parks itself in reverse, is lifted slightly and fixed in place, whereupon the battery wrenches go into action fully automatically.