Nio demonstrates new battery tech with 648-mile drive

Nio has demonstrated the capability of its new electric vehicle (EV) battery technology by driving almost 650 miles on a single charge.

The company's founder, chairman and CEO William Li set the benchmark in a Nio ET7. He covered 648 miles in the vehicle, over 14 hours, and used 97% of the battery's 150kWh capacity.

During the drive, the ET7 achieved 4.7mi/kWh at an average speed of 52mph. The ambient temperature ranged from -2° C to -12° C and the vehicle's cabin temperature was set at 20° C.

Li said: said: "The completion of this range test marks the range of smart EVs going beyond 1,000 kilometers, which will further promote the transformation of the automotive industry from the consumption of gasoline to electricity."

Fleet News conducted its own real-world range test with a selection of new EVs, earlier this year. To read about it, click here.

Chinese car brand Nio is holding off its UK launch until it has developed the infrastructure to offer battery swaps, the company's UK managing director confirmed earlier this year.

Nio's USP is its Power Swap battery swap stations, which enable drivers to exchange their depleted battery for a fully charged one in less than five minutes.

In China, Nio has installed more than 1,200 Power Swap stations. 

The brand unveiled a new electric estate and an electric SUV that will form part of its European line-up.

The ET5 will rival the BMW i5 Touring and offers a range of 270 - 350 miles, depending on variant. The EL6 will go head-to-head with the Audi Q8 e-tron and can cover 300 miles between charges.