Nio is reportedly considering EVE Energy and Gotion High-Tech for contract manufacturing of its large-cylindrical battery cells, according to Chinese media reports. A small production batch could be completed by the end of 2026, although mass production is not expected in the near term due to manufacturing constraints and validation requirements.
At the same time, Nio is increasing deliveries of prismatic batteries from CATL for its ONVO and firefly vehicle brands, reflecting the company’s continued reliance on established battery suppliers as it develops its own technology.
Nio’s Large-Cylindrical Battery Development
Nio began battery research and development in 2021 and subsequently worked with CATL on a 75 kWh battery pack using a hybrid chemistry approach. By 2022, the company’s battery team had grown to more than 400 people.
Nio also planned a 40 GWh battery industrial base in Hefei, Anhui province. However, equipment procurement was reportedly paused amid financial pressure, slowing progress toward large-scale manufacturing.
At Nio Day 2023, the company unveiled its 46105 large-cylindrical battery cell. The cell was initially intended for the ET9 flagship sedan, but the production model launched with a CATL prismatic battery pack instead.
In September 2026, Nio chief executive William Li said the company had invested more than RMB 2 billion, equivalent to approximately US$298.3 million, in battery development.
Reported Specifications of the 46105 Cell
The 46105 cell has been reported to support a 900-volt platform and offer an energy density of 292 Wh/kg. A battery pack using the cells could have a capacity of 120 kWh and support 5C fast charging.
These specifications have not translated into large-scale vehicle deployment so far. Contract manufacturing could provide Nio with a way to advance production without immediately establishing all the manufacturing capacity required to produce the cells in-house.
EVE Energy and Gotion Expand Their Battery Capabilities
EVE Energy already supplies large-cylindrical cells for BMW’s sixth-generation battery system, known as Gen6. The cells began rolling off production lines on October 15, 2026.
Gotion High-Tech is also developing large-cylindrical battery cells. The company is headquartered in Hefei, where Nio has established a significant part of its operations.
The reported discussions with both suppliers could give Nio access to existing manufacturing capabilities as it continues validating its battery technology. However, the companies’ roles in any potential production arrangement have not been confirmed.
Prismatic Batteries Remain Central to Nio’s Supply Strategy
Despite its large-cylindrical battery development, Nio continues to rely on prismatic cells for its production vehicles. The company is reportedly increasing purchases of CATL batteries for ONVO and firefly models.
Prismatic cells remain widely used across the electric vehicle industry, supported by established production processes and supplier capacity. For Nio, maintaining access to these batteries while pursuing large-cylindrical technology could allow it to continue vehicle production without waiting for its own cell program to reach commercial scale.
The reported manufacturing discussions indicate that Nio is exploring external production options for its large-cylindrical cells. The timing and scale of any eventual deployment will depend on manufacturing readiness, validation results and the company’s production plans.