NIO, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is set to launch its highly anticipated 150-kWh battery pack in the first half of 2023. This new battery technology has been long awaited by NIO owners, however, the high cost of the semi-solid-state battery will make it difficult for widespread adoption. The 150-kWh pack is expected to cost as much as an ET5 electric sedan, according to NIO co-founder and president, Qin Lihong.
The new battery pack will initially be available for rent only, but a buyout option is expected to be offered in the future. The 150-kWh pack is being manufactured by Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology and has an energy density of 360 Wh/kg.
NIO’s 150-kWh semi-solid-state battery was first unveiled at the NIO Day 2020 event, with the company stating that the battery would be available starting in the fourth quarter of 2022. However, it was later delayed by several months.
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In addition to the battery pack, NIO’s assisted driving software, NOP Plus, is expected to be rolled out to all vehicles in the near future. The company also plans to offer its subscription-based autonomous driving software, NAD, later this year.
NIO plans to deliver three new models in the first half of 2023, but no further details have been provided. The company also intends to address some of the issues with its flagship sedan, the ET7, including rear comfort and the design of the rear seats and seat surfaces. It remains unclear whether NIO will launch a facelift of the ET7 to address these issues.
