Nio is strengthening its presence in the power battery sector with plans to establish a new research and development base in Shanghai, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Jiading district government.
Authorities in Anting town, located in Shanghai’s Jiading district, recently signed a cooperation agreement with the electric vehicle maker to host the new battery R&D facility. The project will focus on developing next-generation power battery technologies aimed at enhancing Nio’s battery strategy and long-term technological capabilities.
See also: Nio and Bosch Sign Strategic Partnership During Merz China Visit
Jiading already serves as the location of Nio’s global headquarters and main R&D operations, while the company’s vehicle manufacturing facilities are based in Hefei, in Anhui province. According to the district government, Nio currently operates multiple vehicle and battery testing centers in Jiading with a combined floor area exceeding 60,000 square meters.
Local media outlet China Times reported that the new project reinforces what it described as a “Shanghai R&D plus Anhui manufacturing” structure for the company, following the establishment of a battery company in Anhui in 2022. The Shanghai-based entity is expected to focus on research into advanced battery technologies, including solid-state batteries, which are widely expected to reach large-scale application after 2027.
See also: Nio Chip Unit Raises $330 Million in First External Funding Round
According to the report, Nio is already exploring multiple technological pathways in the solid-state battery field, including oxide and sulfide-based solutions, through collaborations with industry partners and research institutions.
A newly registered subsidiary, Nio Battery Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd, has been established with a registered capital of 100 million yuan ($14.5 million), according to corporate registration data.
Nio’s battery strategy has evolved in recent years as the company sought to reduce costs and accelerate its path toward profitability. In late 2023, the automaker reportedly moved to spin off its battery manufacturing unit, opting to outsource large-scale production while maintaining control over core battery technology research and development.
See also: Nio Battery Asset Unit Mirattery Raises Additional $145 Million in Series C Financing
Despite shifting away from capital-intensive in-house manufacturing, the company has continued to expand its activities in battery technology development and commercialization.
In June 2025, local media outlet Yiou reported that Nio, supported by its major shareholder CYVN Holdings, began developing battery packs based on 4680 large cylindrical cells for British supercar manufacturer McLaren. The partnership was later confirmed in September 2025 by Nio founder and chief executive William Li, who said the company had received technical service revenue from the automaker.
Alongside its internal research initiatives, Nio has also expanded partnerships across its battery supply chain. In January, the company signed a five-year strategic cooperation agreement with battery manufacturer CATL.
Meanwhile, one of Nio’s key battery partners, Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology, which supplies semi-solid-state battery technology, began pre-IPO tutoring in December 2025 as it prepares for a potential public listing.
