Chinese EV maker NIO has announced a strategic partnership with Shell, that includes a plan to install battery swapping stations in China and construct and operate pilot stations in Europe.
Cooperation in China will start with two pilot sites and aim to reach 100 swapping stations by 2025, as well as additional co-branded battery swap stations at Shell EV charging hubs and Shell Recharge fast chargers at NIO locations. Cooperation in Europe will start from exploring pilots in 2022 and scaling rapidly subject to success.
In Europe, Shell and NIO will collaborate on integrating the Shell Recharge Mobility Service Provider (MSP), providing customers access to one of Europe’s largest roaming EV charging networks through Shell Recharge Solutions (formerly NewMotion).
In the meantime, NIO and Shell will continue to explore more collaboration opportunities in battery asset management, fleet management, membership system, home charging services, advanced battery charging and swapping technology development, and construction of charging facilities in China.
As the world’s largest gasoline retailer, Shell is committed to becoming one of the leading charging service providers worldwide. Nio began delivering cars to consumers in China in 2018. In 2021, NIO started delivery in Norway, marking its first step overseas. In the coming year, NIO will enter more European markets with its products and services.
Based on the strategic development of both brands, NIO and Shell will join hands in leveraging each other’s strength and contributing to the development of the smart electric vehicle industry.
“The cooperation demonstrates Shell’s determination to accelerate the energy transition and commitment to contribute to sustainable development globally,” said William Li, founder, chairman and CEO of NIO. “We believe that the cooperation between NIO and Shell will bring better services and experience to electric vehicle users worldwide.”
István Kapitány, global executive vice president of Shell Mobility, added, “Decarbonization is a global challenge that requires broad-reaching, multi-faceted global solutions. This is the most exciting aspect of our new partnership with Nio—the breadth of the collaboration and the value we can offer our EV customers both in Europe and in China. Together, we’ll be working to improve every element of the EV experience. This means we’ll offer Shell Recharge high-speed charging at Nio locations and make battery swapping available at convenient Shell locations. We will also be offering Nio customers our best home and business charging solutions.”
