Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group) has officially joined the battery swap alliance led by Nio, marking a significant collaboration in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market. The strategic cooperation agreement, signed on May 8 in Guangzhou, aims to advance charging and battery swap technologies, enhance vehicle R&D, and streamline operations for a more user-friendly experience.
William Li, founder, chairman, and CEO of Nio, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “The cooperation will amplify the two companies’ respective strengths in technology and operations, and push forward the unification of battery standards and operational and management systems, so as to make swapping a more approachable solution, and provide users with experiences as hassle-free as refueling.”
Under the agreement, Nio and GAC will collaborate on establishing a unified battery standard, developing battery swap-enabled vehicles, and expanding the network of swap stations compatible with both brands. This collaboration aims to provide users with a seamless swapping experience, similar to refueling a traditional vehicle.
Feng Xingya, president of GAC Group, highlighted the importance of battery swapping in urban environments, stating, “Going forward, with the growing NEV population, battery swapping will unleash unlimited market opportunities, especially in cities. Because it actually solves a pain point for many users who don’t have dedicated parking spots.”
GAC Group’s entry into the Nio-led alliance follows similar partnerships with other major automakers. Nio’s battery swap service is evolving into a cloud-service-like project, with Changan Automobile, Geely Holding, JAC, and Chery also joining the alliance to collaborate on battery swap networks and standards.
GAC Group, previously a partner with Nio in the GAC Nio joint venture, has been active in the battery swap space under its Hyper brand. The Hyper GT, a battery swap-enabled model, was launched in July 2023, accompanied by the establishment of 14 battery swap stations. GAC Group’s dedication to advancing battery swap technology aligns with Nio’s vision for a more accessible and efficient EV ecosystem.
