NIO to mass produce long-life batteries in 2027 at the earliest

Nio Inc. has announced plans to establish a dedicated research and development (R&D) base in Shanghai to advance solid-state battery technology, with mass production of next-generation batteries targeted for deployment after 2027. The company recently registered a wholly-owned subsidiary, Nio Battery Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd, with a registered capital of 100 million yuan ($14.5 million), signaling its commitment to strengthening core battery innovation. The new facility, located in Jiading district—where Nio is headquartered—will focus on developing solid-state cells, a technology the company aims to scale commercially by 2028.

Nio's strategy aligns with broader industry trends toward higher energy density and safer battery solutions. Solid-state batteries eliminate flammable liquid electrolytes, offering improved safety and longer ranges, though challenges in mass production and cost remain. The automaker has already invested heavily in battery infrastructure, including testing facilities in Jiading and a larger manufacturing subsidiary in Anhui, which operates with a registered capital of 2 billion yuan ($290 million).

Recent milestones, such as Nio's 100 millionth battery swap in China and a record 170,000 daily swaps during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday, underscore the scalability of its battery-swapping ecosystem. The company also deepened its partnership with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) in January 2026, securing supply of 100-kWh battery packs for its core models. Analysts note that Nio's focus on solid-state technology and ecosystem collaboration could position it to lead in next-generation electric vehicle (EV) innovation, though market adoption will depend on cost reductions and regulatory progress.