NIO semi-solid-state EV battery maker ramps output as 621-mi ET7 rolls out

NIO and its suppliers are forging a new path in China’s EV market. WeLion New Energy Technology, NIO’s semi-solid-state EV battery maker, saw a 31% increase in installations last month. The growth comes as NIO officially began renting its 150 kWh battery pack for the new ET7 this month, enabling over 621 (1,000 km) CLTC range.

NIO semi-solid state battery maker sees growth in May

NIO launched the ET7, powered by a massive 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery, in January 2021. After several delays, the battery pack is available to rent on a daily basis as of this month.

Ahead of its official debut, NIO founder and CEO Li put the ET7, powered by its 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery, to the test. Li held an endurance challenge to see just how far the electric car could go.

During a 14-hour live-stream event, Li covered 1,044 km (650 mi) in the ET7 with a 150 kWh battery pack. With an extra 3% charge, it could have traveled another 36 km. Li said the EV was in intelligent mode for 92% of the trip.

With the 150 kWh packs now available to rent, NIO’s semi-solid-state battery maker, WeLion, is scaling output.

According to new data from the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance (CABIA), 482.9 MWh of semi-solid state batteries were installed in China last month, up 30.9% from 369 MWh in April 2024.

NIO supplier WeLion was the only contributor. China’s (WeLion’s) semi-solid-state battery installations through May amounted to 1,621.8 MWh.

WeLion began delivering semi-solid state battery cells to NIO for use in its 150 kWh ET7 last June. The +482 MWh installed in May would be about enough to build 3,200 150 kWh battery packs, according to CnEVPost. However, WeLion’s products are also used in drones, robots, and devices.

As China looks to stay atop the EV battery market, the country is expected to spend around $827 million (RMB 6 billion) on all-solid-state battery research and development. Several leaders, including BYD, CATL, and WeLion, are expected to receive support.

Source: CnEVPost