NIO and Shell today announced a strategic cooperation agreement to improve the charging experience for electric vehicle (EV) owners around the world, with a particular focus on NIO drivers.
The partnership will first bear fruit in China and Europe. Under the terms of the agreement, NIO and Shell will build a network of co-branded battery swap stations in both regions, starting with two pilot sites in China with hopes to reach 100 locations by 2025.
Pilot locations in Europe will launch sometime in 2022, with plans to scale rapidly if successful.
Here’s everything that was announced as part of the joint venture:
Both NIO and Shell will intensify efforts in research and development and battery swapping technologies to further improve the technology and business model.
NIO and Shell will develop a network of co-branded battery swap stations. Cooperation in China will start with two pilot sites and aim to reach 100 sites by 2025, as well as additional co-branded battery swap stations at Shell EV charging hubs and Shell Recharge fast chargers at NIO locations. Cooperation in Europe will start from exploring pilots in 2022 and scaling rapidly subject to success.
In Europe, Shell and NIO will collaborate on integrating the Shell Recharge Mobility Service Provider (MSP), providing customers access to one of Europe’s largest roaming EV charging networks through Shell Recharge Solutions (formerly NewMotion).
Earlier this year, Shell announced plans to build 500,000 EV charging points across the globe by 2025. Shell is also currently working on a country-wide fast-charging network in Canada.
The partnership will see NIO and Shell strategically working together and leveraging their reach and resources to improve the charging experience for EV owners globally and accelerate the transition to EVs.
“Decarbonisation is a global challenge that requires broad-reaching, multi-faceted solutions. This is the most exciting thing about our new partnership with NIO — the breadth of the collaboration and the value we can offer our EV customers together, both in Europe and in China,” said Global Executive Vice President of Shell Mobility István Kapitány.
“Together, we’ll be working to improve every aspect of the EV experience. This means we’ll offer Shell Recharge high-speed charging at NIO locations and make battery swap available at convenient Shell locations while also offering NIO customers our best home and business charging solutions.”
NIO, which recently surpassed BYD as the most valuable car brand in China, also hopes to provide its customers with a differentiated, quality charging offering through the partnership.
“The cooperation demonstrates Shell’s determination to accelerate the energy transition and commitment to contribute to sustainable development globally. We believe that the cooperation between NIO and Shell will bring better services and experience to electric vehicle users worldwide,” said William Li, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of NIO.
The strategic partnership between NIO and Shell will also lead to collaborations in fleet solutions, customer loyalty, and at-home charging.
