Batteries not included: NIO introduces pioneering new semi-solid-state battery with 1000km range … but there’s a big catch

Two years after it said it would aspiring Chinese start-up NIO has announced it will finally roll out its next-generation semi-solid-state battery technology from June 1 in its home country.

From that date any new or existing NIO owners that drive a car capable of a battery swap will be able to exchange their car’s battery for the all-new high-tech 150kWh battery.

But instead of being able to buy it new with your car the Chinese car-maker will only rent it to current owners.

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No official explanation has been given why, but it’s thought if it were to sell the 150kWh battery it would come with a towering price tag of around 328,000 Chinese Yuan or 68,000!

Previewed multiple times, NIO first said it would introduce its flagship battery back in 2022 but delayed the launch until now.

Full details, including charging speed have yet to be announced for what’s described as the most energy-dense battery ever sold in China.

But multiple real-world tests have shown impressive examples of cars fitted with the new battery travelling huge distances.

In a recent test a NIO ET7 that covered an impressive 1070km on a single charge while cruising at highway speeds and carrying more than 200kg of cargo.

Adding to the challenge the drive involved climbing 1875m.

As far as costs involved, the rental price for the advanced 150kWh powerpack depends on it how big the battery was that you originally bought the car with.

Those with a 70- or 75kWh battery, for example, will be charged 150 Chinese Yuan ($30) per day to use the 150kWh pack, while those who already have the biggest 100kWh battery will only have to cough up 100 Chinese Yuan ($20) per day.

NIO hopes owners will be tempted to rent the big battery for brief time periods, like for an upcoming holiday or use for a long-distance business trip to a place where charging infrastructure may be limited.

Once you’re finished you can arrange, via an app, a battery swap back to a powerpack the same size you bought the car with.

It’s not known if NIO if will eventually offer a lower-cost version of the semi-solid-state battery pack in the near future or if it will simply move onto its full solid-state batteries which are expected to arrive in the second half of this decade.