NIO and GAC have inked a strategic cooperation agreement on electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping. The agreement, signed in Guangzhou, China, outlines comprehensive collaboration between the two companies in mixed key areas related to charging and swapping including battery standards, vehicle research and development (R&D), customization, and swapping network development and operations.

The agreement signed by both NIO and GAC entails the establishment of a unified battery standard. Moreover, the agreement sets the acceleration to launch more EV models with swappable batteries and implement swap station solutions designed for EV models from both NIO and GAC. Other listed details in the agreement include co-developing passenger vehicles with battery swap capabilities, opening interconnection of battery-swapping networks under a management system, appointing a larger and unified power infrastructure network to reach economies of scale, and more according to the agreement. 

NIO’s Founder, Chairman, and CEO William Li expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement and the potential of both companies ‘ collaborate stating, “The cooperation will amplify the two companies’ respective strengths in technology and operations, and push forward the unification of battery standards and operational and management systems, so as to make swapping a more approachable solution, and provide users with experiences as hassle-free as refueling.”

Notably, NIO also partnered Lotus with the agreement signed at the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. The agreement with Lotus have similar details of charging and swapping including battery standards, charging and swapping technologies, vehicle R&D and customization, building a unified battery standard system, and others.

As a result, the partnership between NIO and GAC is a big step toward standardizing and expanding EV charging and swapping infrastructure in China. With NIO’s agreement with GAC, the potential for an increase in positive influence on enhancing China’s charging infrastructure and EV technologies will be in place.

Want to learn more about EV? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.

EV.com is the world’s 1st Electric Vehicle (EV) marketplace that aims to promote zero-emission mobility by providing a platform for consumers to learn about, compare, and purchase EVs.