Nio Partners WeLion to Integrate Semi-Solid-State Batteries in 150 kWh Battery Pack

Nio has updated its user manuals, incorporating detailed specifications of the solid-state pack supplied by WeLion. WeLion delivered its first semi-solid-state battery cells to Nio, an electric car manufacturer in China. Nio plans to incorporate these cells into its 150 kWh battery pack and aims to start delivering electric vehicles equipped with this advanced battery technology before the end of July.

Nio had previously released the ES6 all-electric SUV in May, offering two battery options: a 75 kWh version with a range of 490 kilometres, priced at ¥368,000 ($51,000), and a 100 kWh version with a range of 625 kilometres, priced at ¥426,000 ($59,000). Now, after two and a half years since announcing its intentions to implement a 150 kWh solid-state battery pack, Nio is set to launch the 150 kWh battery pack in July. This new pack will provide a range of 930 kilometres.

The updated digital manuals will be featured in the upcoming ES6 SUV, shedding light on the 150 kWh battery’s characteristics. The weight of the 150 kWh battery pack is 575 kilograms, making it 3.6 per cent heavier than the 100 kWh battery pack, which weighs 555 kilograms.

The 150 kWh battery pack consists of 384 cells, a higher number compared to the 96 cells in the 100 kWh battery pack provided by CATL, another prominent battery manufacturer. With an energy density of 360 Wh/kg, the battery boasts a rated voltage of 3.31 V and a rated capacity of 110 Ah.

Regarding dimensions, the 150 kWh battery pack shares the same measurements as other CATL packs, with a length of 2062mm, a width of 1539mm, and a height of 185.6mm.

Nio first unveiled its 150 kWh battery pack during the 2020 NIO Day event, held in January 2021. The pack features solid-state battery cells designed similarly to the company’s existing lithium-ion cells. At the time, Nio claimed the new pack could provide a remarkable range of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) on a single charge. However, due to the higher wind resistance faced by SUVs compared to sedans, SUVs typically exhibit higher energy consumption.