In a strategic move set to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) innovation, NIO has partnered with United Kingdom (UK)-based artificial intelligence (AI) company Monolith which aims to leverage AI and machine learning to enhance battery testing and development for EVs.

According to Monolith, the partnership will utilize Monolith’s Anomaly Detector AI software to monitor and analyze battery performance data in real-time. This innovative approach combines NIO’s unique battery swap technology with Monolith’s advanced AI algorithms, allowing for continuous monitoring and optimization of battery condition, performance, and durability.

Frank Kindermann, Head of Battery System Europe at NIO, expressed the significance of this collaboration stating, “By combining our expertise in battery performance with Monolith’s advanced laboratory capabilities, we’re setting new standards in battery monitoring, ensuring unparalleled efficiency and reinforcing NIO’s dedication to innovation and quality.”

NIO’s battery swap service, which has a 98% adoption rate among its buyers in five key European markets, provides a unique opportunity to gather real-world data on daily battery usage. Each time a battery is swapped, it undergoes a comprehensive check, with Monolith’s AI algorithms processing the data in real-time.

Richard Ahlfeld, CEO and Founder of Monolith, highlighted the potential of this approach: “Monolith’s deep-learning algorithms allow for automatic detection of battery issues, such as spontaneous discharge and thermal runaway, making it easier to analyze complex real-world data quickly. This capability not only saves time and resources but also enhances battery safety.”

The partnership aims to significantly reduce the time required for battery development and innovation. While European automakers typically need around five years to develop a new car, Chinese EV makers have compressed this timeline to about two years. The NIO-Monolith collaboration could potentially push this boundary even further.

“NIO can essentially give you a prototype of a car early on and they keep testing and learning from what you’re doing,” Ahlfeld told Reuters. This rapid iteration process could help Western automakers catch up with their Chinese counterparts, who are already exploring ways to reduce development cycles to just one year.

According to Reuters, the initial phase of this collaboration will commence in five European markets, with plans to expand to China pending regulatory approval. Monolith is already working with around 10 of the world’s top 20 automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Honda, to accelerate EV battery development using machine learning algorithms.

As of now, NIO operates 56 battery swap stations in Europe, with 19 in Norway and 18 in Germany. In China, the company contains a network of 2,557 battery swap stations, complemented by extensive charging infrastructure.

Read More: NIO Expands European Presence With First Deliveries Of EL8 Electric SUV

By harnessing the power of AI and real-world data, the collaboration has the potential to accelerate the development of next-generation EV batteries, ultimately leading to improved performance, safety, and sustainability in the electric vehicle market.

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