The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has recently divulged further details regarding the Nio ET5, featuring a groundbreaking 150 kWh battery, a significant development in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape.
Previously, the Nio ET5 and its Touring variant, ET5T, were equipped with a standard 75 kWh battery, with an optional upgrade to a larger 100 kWh battery. However, the latest iteration of the ET5 introduces the option of a 150 kWh semi-solid state battery, manufactured by WeLion. WeLion claims that the battery boasts an impressive cell density of 360 Wh/kg.
MIIT specifications indicate that the battery weighs 575 kg, merely 20 kg heavier than the 100 kWh battery utilized by Nio.
The journey towards this advanced battery technology has been long-awaited. In a remarkable feat at the end of 2023, a Nio ET7, equipped with the 150 kWh battery, achieved an astounding range of 1,044 km (650 miles), with 3% battery capacity remaining, during a 14-hour drive, led by Nio founder William Li and a co-driver, which was live-streamed. The battery was initially announced at Nio Day 2020, held in January 2021. Despite assurances from Nio regarding deliveries commencing in April 2024, it's worth noting that such promises have been made several times in recent years.
MIIT data indicates that the official CLTC (Constant Load Test Cycle) range for the Nio ET5, equipped with the new 150 kWh battery, is an impressive 1055 km, while the wagon version, ET5T, offers a slightly reduced range of 1010 km. The curb weight of the sedan with the new battery stands at 2214 kg, while the wagon variant weighs slightly more at 2254 kg.
However, the enhanced 150 kWh battery comes with a hefty price tag, reportedly equivalent to that of an entire Nio ET5 vehicle. Consequently, it will initially only be available for rent, likely serving as a short-term hire option for longer journeys. Nevertheless, due to the modular nature of the swappable battery packs, the battery is compatible with all Nio models produced to date.
MIIT's data also sheds light on the CLTC ranges of other Nio models equipped with the 150 kWh battery. The ES8 offers the lowest range at 900 km, followed by the ES6 and ES7 at 930 km each, with the EC6 slightly surpassing them at 935 km, and the EC7 offering an even better range of 940 km. Notably, Nio sedans push the boundaries of range, with the large ET7 capable of covering 1050 km, merely 5 km shy of the ET5's impressive range.
Additionally, MIIT's figures provide insights into ranges with a smaller 70 kWh battery, as well as the standard 75 kWh unit and the optional 100 kWh upgrade. The 70 kWh battery, a cheaper LFP (lithium iron phosphate) variant, is expected to be available soon, offering ranges ranging from 430 km to 500 km across various Nio models.