Skip advert
Advertisement

Geely and NIO agreement could see battery swapping tech on Volvo, Polestar and Lotus cars

The Chinese giant behind Volvo, Polestar and Lotus will join forces with NIO on battery tech

Volvo EX30 - front action

Geely Holding, the parent company of Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, has signed a technical agreement with electric car company NIO to align battery standards and share innovative battery-swapping functionality between the two companies for future products. 

This wide-ranging agreement covers a variety of elements, including a standardisation of cell technology within the battery packs, battery swapping technology, network expansion and battery asset management. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

NIO might be about to enter the UK market, but it’s already made waves in Europe by offering battery swapping tech as a feature in its models. The technology, which allows a depleted battery to be automatically swapped for a fully charged one in minutes, can potentially go a long way to alleviating range anxiety on long journeys.

The new agreement with Geely will see a collaboration between the two companies in the development of this tech, while also adding critical scale to NIO’s battery swapping network that’s already in place in China and some parts of western Europe. 

This could lead to future Volvo, Polestar and Lotus products integrating similar battery swapping functionality, and will also apply to Geely’s other brands that include Zeekr, Lynk & Co and Smart

William LI, Founder, Chairman and CEO of NIO said: “NIO and Geely share a profound understanding of battery swapping and have been dedicated to the investment in the battery swapping technology and network for private cars and commercial vehicles with rich experience in swapping service and operations.” 

On the road to full EV adoption, the electric charging and infrastructure network has been criticised for a lack of consistency across its many stakeholders. Agreements like this aim to help reduce the complexity and make long journeys easier in the future. 

Now read our review of the new Volvo EX30...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior staff writer

Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Polestar 2 to be replaced by Polestar 7 in new Apple iPhone-style naming plan
Polestar 1 close up of the grill and badge
News

Polestar 2 to be replaced by Polestar 7 in new Apple iPhone-style naming plan

The next-generation Polestar 2 will be called Polestar 7 in a move to a new chronological naming strategy
16 May 2024
‘Wake up to hydrogen and other EV alternatives’, Ineos boss tells government
Ineos Grenadier Hydrogen
News

‘Wake up to hydrogen and other EV alternatives’, Ineos boss tells government

The Ineos Automotive CEO hits out at the EV-only approach to net-zero, saying “drivers have been left behind”
16 May 2024
10 surprising things made by car companies, that aren't cars
Things made by car manufacturers - header
Features

10 surprising things made by car companies, that aren't cars

The world’s biggest auto manufacturers have many strings to their bows...
6 May 2024
Real-world MPG and emissions testing
Real world emissions testing
Tips & advice

Real-world MPG and emissions testing

In 2018, WLTP and RDE tests measuring car MPG and emissions replaced the older, less accurate NEDC tests used before. The aim was to better reflect th…
2 May 2024

Most Popular

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app
Octopus Energy’s Electroverse
News

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app

Octopus’ ‘Plunge Pricing’ events promise to save electric car drivers an average of £6.50 per charge
17 May 2024
Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?
Skoda Scala and Citroen C4 - front tracking
Car group tests

Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?

The revised Skoda Scala takes on Citroen’s C4 in the battle to be the best-value family hatchback
18 May 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month

Our Deal of the Day selection for 18 May will appeal to those who want an all-electric family car that’s not a SUV
18 May 2024