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The Chinese Automaker NIO Develops Battery Swap System for Electric Vehicles
The Chinese automaker NIO has developed a fast battery exchange system for electric vehicles, along with accompanying swap stations. This is something that should also come from German companies.
Visit to NIO Battery Swap Station by Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy
Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, visited the battery swap station of the Chinese electric car manufacturer NIO at the Innovation Park Zusmarshausen in Augsburg. The company has developed the technology ("Power Swap") to reduce the downtime of NIO electric vehicles. Instead of charging the battery, the empty one is replaced with a full one in a matter of minutes.
Encouraging Innovation for Advancing Electromobility
Aiwanger believes that more such innovative ideas are needed to further advance electromobility. He sees NIO's battery swap technology as an exciting approach. For commuters and commercial users, battery swapping can be a real time advantage. He also wishes to see similar initiatives from manufacturers like BMW, Audi, MAN, and numerous suppliers.
NIO in Bavaria since 2015
The Chinese automaker NIO was one of the first Chinese electric vehicle startups to settle in Bavaria in 2015, facilitated by the agency Invest in Bavaria. NIO employs more than 300 people in its global design center in Ismaning and Munich-Bogenhausen.
Expansion of Battery Swap Stations
Currently, there are 19 NIO battery swap stations across Germany, with five located in Bavaria. NIO has already installed hundreds of these swap stations in China and Europe, with further plans for expansion in Bavaria.
What is a Power Swap Station?
A "Power Swap Station" enables a fully automated battery exchange within a short time - a concept that offers new perspectives for frequent drivers and commercial traffic. Alternatively, NIO vehicles can also be charged at conventional charging stations.