NIO marks milestone with 60th power swap station in Europe

Chinese electric vehicle maker NIO on Tuesday announced the opening of its 60th Power Swap Station in Europe, as the company continues to expand its energy infrastructure across the continent.

The latest facility, located in Sankt Augustin, Germany, is part of NIO's broader efforts to offer alternatives to conventional EV charging methods and enhance user convenience.

"The Chinese and German automotive industries are highly complementary," said Zhang Hui, vice president of NIO Europe. He told Xinhua that the milestone reflects the growing synergy between China and Germany in the automotive sector.

"NIO is committed to deepening cooperation not only in technology, but also in infrastructure and user services," Zhang said.

According to him, NIO aims to build a long-term presence in Europe through local partnerships and sustainable mobility initiatives. "We are not here for short-term gains. We are committed to building a lasting presence in Europe, working with local partners, governments and communities to bring innovative solutions that make electric mobility more accessible and more sustainable," he said.

Hubert Aiwanger, deputy minister-president of Bavaria, also welcomed the development. "Many internal combustion engine vehicles are still in use here in Bavaria and across Germany, but more people are choosing electric cars. That makes user-friendliness all the more important, particularly when it comes to range," he said.

Aiwanger praised battery swapping as a meaningful innovation. "With this system, users can simply and conveniently swap their battery and continue driving." He said he is confident that Chinese companies will continue to expand in market share due to their provision of quality products and services.

Europe has become a strategic focus for NIO's international development. In addition to Germany, the company operates in the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, aligning its rollout with markets that are actively supporting the transition to electric vehicles.

NIO stated that it is exploring how its energy services can enhance electricity grid stability in Europe. The company said that its infrastructure is designed to adjust energy usage in response to peak demand and renewable energy availability, as countries work to integrate more clean energy into their power systems.