Shell and NIO join forces on an EV battery swap network

Oil corporation Shell and Chinese automotive startup NIO have signed an agreement to develop complex EV infrastructure in Europe and China.

NIO is one of the few electric carmakers of today who believe that swapping batteries is more viable than charging. It currently has 650 such quick-swap stations in China and is beginning to expand its presence in Norway as well. With Shell joining in on the initiative, it should be a matter of time until the idea becomes reality.

However, unless other automakers realize the viability of this approach and start producing electric cars with quick-swap support, NIO alone may be unable to operate its stations efficiently. Elektrek believes that Shell will be looking for new partners to join in on the project and make it viable.

The corporation bought the largest charging station network in the UK and continues to expand its presence in Germany.

NIO and Shell intend to build hundreds of new quick-swap stations in multiple countries in Europe, but before that can happen, they will build another 100 or more in China.

NIO unveiled its fourth production car several months ago. Called the ET7, it is a 5.1-meter long luxury saloon with AWD, over 650 PS (641 hp / 478 kW) of power, over 500 km (310 miles) of NEDC-rated range, and the ability to accelerate 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds. You will find it in our gallery and the attached video.