NIO, a global leader in smart electric vehicles, is accelerating Europe’s green energy transition with its cutting-edge Battery Swap technology. The innovation, which is already transforming the EV charging landscape, is now also playing a critical role in energy storage and grid stability across Europe.
Hui Zhang, Vice President of NIO Europe, announced, “NIO’s Power Swap Stations are more than just a game-changer for electric vehicle charging. They represent a key element in the continent’s journey towards sustainable energy, seamlessly integrating electromobility and decentralized energy management.”
Power Swap Technology: A New Chapter in EV Charging
NIO’s Power Swap technology, launched in Europe in 2022, offers an innovative alternative to traditional plug-in charging. Equipped with over 1,600 patented technologies, the Power Swap Stations enable fully automated battery swaps in just three minutes, making it faster than conventional refuelling. Each station (PSS Generation 3.0) holds up to 21 batteries and can complete up to 408 swaps daily, providing a convenient, cost-effective solution for EV drivers across Europe.
The system’s “chargeable, swappable, and upgradeable” structure allows users unparalleled flexibility. Drivers can charge their vehicles in a traditional manner or opt for a battery swap when time is of the essence. The option to upgrade to higher-capacity batteries for longer trips, without any modification to the vehicle, is a unique feature that underscores NIO’s commitment to user-centric innovation.
Supporting the Energy Transition in Europe
Kajsa Ivansson Sognefur, Head of NIO Power Europe, emphasized how the Power Swap technology is now expanding beyond mobility: “Our Power Swap Stations do more than recharge EVs. They act as decentralized energy storage, helping stabilize the grid by compensating for fluctuations in renewable energy supply.”
As Europe’s EV adoption grows—especially among drivers who lack home charging facilities—NIO’s swap stations offer a scalable solution to the continent’s energy challenges.
Energy Storage and Grid Stability: Projects in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany
NIO is launching groundbreaking initiatives in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany to support grid stability through various grid services and energy trading strategies. In Denmark and the Netherlands, the focus is on using Power Swap Stations as grid-stabilizing assets to help power grid stability. While in Germany, the stations are primarily involved in wholesale electricity trading to reduce costs. These efforts help maintain frequency control and grid stabilization across the markets.
By offering decentralized energy storage and balancing renewable energy fluctuations, NIO Power Swap Stations contribute to a sustainable power supply—helping reduce electricity costs and grid bottlenecks.
Towards a Bi-Directional Future
NIO is preparing to launch its first bi-directional Power Swap Station in Europe, allowing batteries to not only receive power but also feed it into the grid. This increases the variety of grid services we can provide and marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to support Europe’s green energy transition.
Environmental Impact and Circular Economy
By decoupling vehicle life from battery life, NIO’s Power Swap Stations extend the lifespan of both, contributing to a circular economy. Used batteries are repurposed for secondary applications like energy storage, maximizing the use of raw materials and reducing waste. This approach underlines NIO’s long-term commitment to sustainability.
