Chinese EV travels 554 miles in single charge with 150-kWh semi-solid state battery

In a surprising move, Nio, a Chinese EV startup had created a new milestone, particularly in the battery-swap arena.

The company claims that its owners can now avoid long, boring charging stops just by replacing their dead EV battery with a fresh one. Furthermore, this option is available at any of Nio’s many available “Power Swap” locations.

It (Nio) also states that its owners can also select a positively massive, 150-kilowatt-hour battery pack for the times they need a larger range.

Currently, a Nio owner shared his experience online. Youtuber Ran has set off on a 100%-0 range test using a battery that’s a huge 150-kWh. He chose to drive in one of Nio’s sleek, modestly sized sedans that usually provide more driving range.

Nio’s 150 kWh battery delivers extended range and efficient charging

Additionally, the 150 kWh uses a semi-solid state technology that helps a lot with energy density. This technology even though not as advanced as solid technology, still helps with energy density. The semi-solid technology offers some great benefits like improved safety, greater mileage, and charging speeds.

The 150 kWh battery pack has been available for rent from Power Swap stations since June, and it isn’t easy to find one, as per Ran. He reserved one regardless, went to the station, and swapped out his ET5’s 75-kWh pack for the bigger one.

With this move, Ran got a 42% state of charge 239 km (148.5 miles) of range.  Post that his car showcased 981 km (609 miles) at a 93% charge. On the first day of his trip, Ran traveled 398.4 miles and arrived at his hotel with a healthy 21% charge remaining.

He had charged the vehicle overnight up to 99% and set off the next day, with his ETS projecting a total range of 1,054 km or 655 miles. On his trip, Ran managed to travel 891.4 kilometers—or 554 miles—before arriving at a swap station. The Nio showed a 0% charge and 1 kilometer of remaining range.

Highway efficiency and range anxiety drive EV innovation and adoption trends

In his trip, the ET5 had clocked a solid efficiency of 4 miles/kWh during the trip. Experts reveal that covering 554 miles of driving on the highway is excellent. Most people will have a great experience while driving an EV that offers 200 miles of range, or even less.

In the US an average American would drive only 40 miles a day. But mostly, car owners would not consider buying an EV unless it offers around 300 or 400 miles of range.

These are some of the reasons why the prices of EVs keep shooting up. US and China (mostly China) have been leading the charge with people making the shift to EVs.

As of now, major companies like Tesla have been dominating the EV space for a very long time now. Simultaneously, major players like BYD and Nio have been expanding rapidly. These companies have also made infrastructural changes that would help accommodate the current guidelines for EVs .

Concerning EVs China leverages raw materials like lithium and cobalt which are essential for the production of batteries and a longer life of the cars.