Chinese EV Sets Record with 650 Miles of Range from 150 kWh Battery
Unprecedented Range from Chinese EV
An electric vehicle (EV) from Chinese manufacturer Nio is making headlines with its impressive range capabilities. The Nio ET7 will soon be available for sale with a groundbreaking “semi-solid state” 150 kWh battery, the largest in any passenger car. To showcase its range potential, Nio CEO William Li drove a prototype version of the ET7 an astounding distance of 1,044 kilometers (650 miles) in just 14 hours.
Testing Conditions
Livestreamed for viewers, the test took place in relatively cool temperatures ranging from 28 to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Li used the vehicle’s semi-autonomous mode, known as Navigate-on-Pilot+, and maintained an average speed of 83.9 km/h (52.4 mph), with a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). The ET7 demonstrated its endurance by completing the journey with a travel time of 12.4 hours, excluding stops.
The Power of the 150 kWh Battery
In a Weibo post, Li expressed his satisfaction with the success of the endurance challenge, highlighting the capabilities of the 150 kWh ultra-long endurance battery pack. He also noted that all Nio models currently on sale can be upgraded to the 150 kWh battery through the Nio battery swap system, adding flexibility for existing customers.
Separate Lease
The ET7’s 150 kWh battery will be available for lease separately from the car itself, similar to some cars sold in Europe. Nio has previously mentioned that the battery alone could cost as much as the company’s entry-level ET5 EV or around $42,000.
Semi-Solid State Battery Technology
Manufactured by WeLion New Energy Technology, the 150 kWh battery utilizes semi-solid state battery technology. This type of battery utilizes gel, clay, or resin electrolytes, offering higher energy density and improved fire-resistance compared to current batteries. However, further advancements are needed to achieve the ultimate goal of full solid-state batteries with even higher energy density.
International Availability
While the ET7 has generated significant interest, it’s unlikely that the 150 kWh battery pack will be available in the United States due to recent changes in regulations. Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range, which also incorporates certain Chinese battery components, no longer qualifies for the full $7,500 tax credit under the Biden administration’s latest rules.
Nio’s Battery-as-a-Service Model
Nio is a luxury EV manufacturer in China with a unique approach to batteries. Rather than purchasing a vehicle with a fixed battery, Nio customers have the option to sign up for a battery-as-a-service (BAAS) monthly subscription. This service offers the convenience of battery swapping at any time and the flexibility to upgrade to larger capacity batteries.
Source: A Chinese EV squeezed 650 miles of range from its 150 kWh battery
