Top stories of NIO in 2024

In 2024, NIO demonstrated remarkable progress and innovation across the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, solidifying its position in sustainable mobility.

The company achieved pivotal milestones last year, including the launch of its flagship ET9 sedan and the debut of two new sub-brands—FIREFLY and ONVO—expanding its portfolio and market reach.

NIO also significantly advanced its battery swapping and charging networks, connecting major highways and enhancing user accessibility.

Globally, strategic partnerships and market expansions, such as its entry into Azerbaijan and the launch of an R&D center in Abu Dhabi, showcased its ambition to lead in EV technology and services. These accomplishments reflect NIO's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating user-centric experiences.

NIO's 2,900th battery swapping station in China comes online

On December 29, NIO announced the launch of its 2,900th battery swapping station in China, which is located in Sanmenxia city, Henan province, further expanding NIO's battery swapping network.

NIO launches third brand 'FIREFLY', first model to hit market in April 2025

On the evening of December 21, NIO officially launched its third brand, FIREFLY, at the 2024 NIO Day event. The debut model, sharing the same name as the brand, was announced with a pre-sale price of 148,800 yuan and is set to hit the market in April 2025.

NIO's executive flagship sedan model ET9 hits market, delivery to begin in March 2025

At the NIO Day 2024 held on December 21, NIO officially put its new flagship sedan, the ET9, onto the market with a purchase price of 780,000 yuan for the complete vehicle, or 660,000 yuan for selecting the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option. Besides, the model also came with the Launch Limited edition priced at 818,000 yuan for the complete vehicle and 690,000 yuan for choosing BaaS, with only 999 units available. Deliveries are expected to begin in March 2025, with priority given to the Launch Limited edition.

NIO completes deployment of highway battery swapping network connecting all main cities in China

On December 18, NIO officially completed its battery swapping network that covers China's 9 north-south and 9 east-west main highways, connecting all major cities across the country, according to a post on the company's WeChat account.

This network spans 12 key city clusters, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta region, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and Chengdu-Chongqing region. Along these routes, users can complete a battery swap in just three minutes at service areas.

NIO introduces ET9 model's advanced digital architecture

On December 16, NIO officially introduced the new digital architecture based on its flagship model, the ET9. The company stated that this digital framework will serve as the foundation for the vehicle's intelligence, dictating the speed and scope of its technological evolution.

NIO ET9 obtains MIIT's volume production approval for steer-by-wire technology

On December 9, 2024, NIO announced that its flagship sedan, the ET9, has received mass-production approval from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for its steer-by-wire (SbW) technology. This makes the ET9 China's first vehicle model to incorporate SbW technology, placing it alongside Tesla's Cybertruck as one of the few globally available vehicles with this advanced feature.

NIO, Mastercard forge strategic partnership to enhance global user services

On December 5, NIO and Mastercard signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai, according to a post on NIO's WeChat account.

Under the agreement, the two parties will leverage their respective strengths to collaborate on a global scale across multiple areas, including value-added user services, payment innovation, data services and consulting, joint marketing efforts, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

NIO signs agreement with Green Car for business expansion into Azerbaijani market

At the COP29 (the 29th Conference of the Parties) summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, NIO announced a strategic partnership with Green Car, marking its upcoming entry into the Azerbaijani market. The agreement, signed on November 15, paves the way for NIO to offer its smart electric vehicle products and services in the region, expanding its footprint in the Caucasus.

AVATR allies with NIO for charging network access

On November 15, AVATR, the premium new energy vehicle brand jointly developed by Changan Automobile, Huawei, and CATL, announced a strategic partnership with electric vehicle maker NIO, granting its users full access to NIO's expansive charging network. 

NIO, Guangdong Power Grid open first collaborative battery swap station

On November 8, the first NIO battery swap station invested by Guangdong Power Grid Electric Vehicle Service Co., Ltd. ("Guangdong Power Grid EV") officially went online in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province.

This marks the inaugural project by Guangdong Power Grid EV after joining the NIO Power Up project as one of the first partners.

NIO, CYVN to co-build facility in Abu Dhabi for R&D of smart driving, AI tech

On October 4, NIO signed a strategic cooperation agreement with its strategic investor CYVN, announcing plans to establish an advanced technology R&D center in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The center will focus on developing intelligent driving and artificial intelligence technologies, expanding NIO's global R&D footprint and fostering innovation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

NIO claims 3.3-billion-yuan investment in NIO China from strategic investors

On September 29, 2024, NIO Inc. announced that it had entered into definitive agreements for strategic investments in its subsidiary NIO Holding Co., Ltd. (NIO China). The strategic investors—Hefei Jianheng New Energy Automobile Investment Fund, Anhui Provincial Emerging Industry Investment Co., Ltd., and CS Capital Co., Ltd.—would inject 3.3 billion yuan in cash, subscribing to newly issued shares of NIO China. Simultaneously, NIO would invest 10 billion yuan, maintaining an 88.3% controlling equity interest after the transaction is completed.

Sinopec grants EV charging access to NIO's users

On September 25, NIO announced a new partnership with Sinopec, enabling NIO users to access Sinopec's nationwide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations through the NIO app, NIO Power app, and NIO's in-car systems.

NIO's ONVO brand puts L60 SUV onto market, starting at 206,900 yuan

On September 19, NIO's sub-brand ONVO officially put its first mass-produced model, the ONVO L60, onto the market with a starting price of 206,900 yuan. Deliveries of the ONVO L60 are set to begin by the end of September.

ONVO disclosed that all its vehicles would be built on NIO's NT3.0 platform, sharing NIO's battery-swapping network.

Chery's vehicles gain access to NIO Power's charging network

On September 10, Anhui Chery Green Energy Ecological Technology Co., Ltd. ("Chery Green Energy") and Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Power") officially entered into a partnership in terms of charging network services.

Under the agreement, Chery Green Energy would gain full access to NIO Power's extensive charging network, which spans frequently-used locations such as along expressways, commercial districts, office areas, residential communities, tourist attractions, and hotels.

NIO Power, Suzhou Energy Group team up on EV charging, battery swap network construction

On September 5, NIO Power, the mobile internet-based power solution provider under NIO, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Suzhou Energy Development Group ("Suzhou Energy Group") at the Suzhou High-Quality New Energy Industry Development Conference. The partnership will focus on building a comprehensive charging and battery swapping network, developing virtual power plants, and creating "zero-carbon" demonstration stations, all aimed at advancing China's carbon neutrality and peak carbon goals.

Dongfeng Motor's MHERO, NIO Power forge partnership in EV charging field

On September 5, MHERO Technology, the new energy off-roader manufacturer under Dongfeng Motor, announced a strategic charging partnership with NIO Power, allowing MHERO vehicles to access NIO's electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

NIO unveils county-level deployment ambition for EV charging, battery swap network

On August 20th, during the Power UP 2024 event, NIO announced its county-level charging accessibility plan, marking the beginning of a new chapter for NIO's expansion of electric vehicle charging and battery swapping network.

The goal of this plan is to establish electric vehicle charging stations in every county across all provincial-level administrative regions in China (excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan) by June 30, 2025. Additionally, NIO aims to achieve the deployment of battery swap stations in all counties across 14 provincial-level regions in the country. By December 31, 2024, this initiative will let its power swap facilities expand to cover 27 provincial-level regions, reaching over 2,300 counties. Starting in 2026, NIO plans to extend this coverage to the remaining provincial-level regions, ensuring that more users can benefit from the best power replenishment services available across the industry.

NIO rolls off first mass-produced unit of ONVO L60 model

On August 15, NIO's fresh sub-brand, ONVO, saw the first mass-produced unit of the ONVO L60, the brand's inaugural production model, roll off the assembly line at its F2 factory in Hefei city. The birth of the new car, marked with the official serial number "0000001," represented a significant milestone for the company.

NIO's ONVO brand launches charging map function

NIO's sub-brand ONVO recently announced the official launch of its "ONVO Charging Map" into its mobile application, alongside the ongoing deployment of its "ONVO Thousand Stations Plan," which aims to revamp and build over 1,000 battery swap stations available for ONVO users by the end of 2024.

NIO launches corporate value system 3.0

On July 23, NIO introduced its Corporate Value System 3.0, updating its mission and vision to better align with current societal and environmental changes. The new mission is "Blue Sky Coming: Shaping a Sustainable and Brighter Future Together," and the vision is to "build a user enterprise where innovative technology meets experience excellence."

NIO Power shares charging facilities with Huawei HIMA's users

On July 17, NIO Power and Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) officially announced a collaboration to improve charging services.

According to the agreement, starting from July 17, HIMA users can locate and use NIO Power charging stations nationwide via the HIMA App, AITO App, and the in-car systems of AITO, LUXEED, and STELATO-branded vehicles. This partnership aims to significantly enhance the charging experience and efficiency for users.

NIO promotes senior VP of Finance to CFO

In a significant move for NIO Inc. (NIO), the main player in China's premium smart electric vehicle market, announced on July 5 the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Steven Wei Feng. Effective July 5, 2024, Mr. Feng is stepping down due to personal and family reasons.

NIO, Hongqi announce charging network collaboration

On June 24, NIO and FAW Group's premium passenger car brand Hongqi jointly announced a collaboration to integrate their charging networks. This marks the first project following the strategic partnership agreement between NIO and FAW Group, aimed at providing more convenient services for their users.

NIO EL8 model goes on sale in five European countries

On June 13, NIO officially put its EL8 model (known as the ES8 in China) onto the markets of Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. This marks the sixth model NIO has introduced to the European market.

NIO's first 4th-gen power swap stations come online

On June 13, NIO officially launched the first batch of its fourth-generation power swap stations, which would support multiple brands and car models for automatic battery swapping. This upgrade aims to provide a more convenient battery swapping experience for car users of NIO, ONVO, and other strategic partners, making charging more convenient than refueling.

GAC Energy, NIO Power forge partnership to share EV charging network

On June 7, GAC Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("GAC Energy") and Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy") officially established a partnership for the interconnection of their electric vehicle (EV) charging networks.

Polestar announces interoperability with NIO's EV charging network

On June 6, Polestar officially announced its comprehensive integration with NIO's electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

This collaboration means that Polestar's EV users can seamlessly access NIO's extensive network of charging facilities nationwide via the Polestar App, enjoying more convenient and efficient charging services.

NIO Energy secures 1.5-billion-yuan strategic investment

On May 31st, NIO Energy Investment (Hubei) Co., Ltd. secured a strategic investment of 1.5 billion yuan from institutions including Wuhan Guangchuang Emerging Technology Phase I Venture Capital Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership) (referred to as "Wuhan Guangchuang Fund"), according to a post on NIO's WeChat account.

IM Motors, NIO Energy partner for nationwide EV charging network interoperability

On May 30th, Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy") and IM Motors, the premium electric vehicle maker co-owned by SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang High-Tech officially entered into a partnership for electric vehicle (EV) charging network interoperability, according to IM Motors' press release.

NIO, Széchenyi István University Foundation intend to team up in energy-related key fields

On May 21, NIO signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with the Széchenyi István University Foundation, Széchenyi István University, and the Hungarian Motorsport and Green Mobility Development Agency, according to NIO's press release. This joint research cooperation is based on NIO's battery-swapping technology, focusing on several key areas, including photovoltaic, energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging, grid integration and interaction, long-life batteries, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.

NIO, FAW Group form strategic partnership in battery swap, EV charging fields

On May 21, NIO and legacy automaker China FAW Group signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to advance collaboration in the battery swap and EV charging sector.

NIO launches 2nd brand ONVO with debut of first model ONVO L60

On May 15, NIO officially launched its second brand, ONVO. Meanwhile, the first model under the new brand, the ONVO L60, made its debut, with the presale price (219,900 yuan) announced as well.

NIO, GAC Group team up on battery swap service interconnection

On May 8, NIO signed a strategic cooperation agreement with GAC Group on battery swap business.

The two parties will engage in comprehensive and multi-level strategic cooperation in various areas related to the battery swap industry, including battery standards, R&D and customization of battery-swappable vehicles, battery asset management and operation, and the construction and operation of battery swap service networks. They will also promote interconnection between their respective charging platforms.

NIO puts 2024 eT7 Executive Edition onto market at Auto China 2024

On April 25, NIO showcased its lineup of eight 2024 models at the Auto China 2024 in Beijing under the theme "Lead the Change." The highlight of the event was the official market launch of the 2024 eT7 Executive Edition, a smart electric high-end executive sedan designed to meet the needs of users in business scenarios.

NIO opens EV charging network to DEEPAL's users

On April 23, DEEPAL, the new energy vehicle brand under Changan Automobile, announced that it has officially signed a cooperation agreement with NIO on electric vehicle (EV) charging interoperability.

SAIC-GM's electric vehicles given access to NIO's charging network

Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy") and SAIC General Motors Sales Co., Ltd. ("SAIC-GM") have forged a partnership for interconnected charging network services, according to a press release SAIC GM issued via its WeChat account on April 18.

NIO launches NOMI GPT large model

On April 12, NIO officially rolled out its NOMI GPT large model, which had been deployed onto the vehicles equipped with the NIO Banyan intelligent system, according to a post on NIO's WeChat account.

The NOMI GPT device-to-cloud multimodal large model newly launched today is tailored to power NIO's NOMI digital in-car system. Encompassing NIO's in-house developed multimodal perception, cognitive center, emotional engine, and multiple AI-enabled agents, it seamlessly integrates NIO's products, services and community to provide more efficient and enjoyable AI services.

Midea, NIO forge strategic cooperation in smart EV, industrial technology fields

On April 10, Chinese home appliance giant Midea Group and NIO signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the Midea Welling Auto Parts' factory in Anqing city, Anhui province.

Under this agreement, the two parties will deepen their collaboration in the field of automotive parts and the development of new technologies, jointly exploring new technologies suitable for intelligent electric vehicle-related scenarios. Together, they will develop products including, but not limited to, air conditioning compressors, electric drives, thermal management integration, and onboard refrigerators. Additionally, in the industrial technology sector, Midea Group will leverage its advantages in robotics and digitalization to collaborate with NIO in areas such as industrial robot bodies, automotive and commonly-used industrial automation solutions, motion control solutions, digital management systems, and intelligent logistics.

NIO sees C-sample of first self-developed SiC module roll off line

On March 29, the NIO & UNT (United Nova Technology Co., Ltd.) Partnership Conference was held at UNT’s headquarters in Shaoxing city, where the C-sample of NIO's in-house developed SiC module rolled off the production line as well.

NIO Energy, Ji Yue team up on EV charging network interconnection

On April 3, Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy") and Wuhan Jidu Automobile Service Co., Ltd., the entity behind Baidu and Geely's cooperative Robocar brand Ji Yue, formally announced the cooperation on interconnecting their charging networks in Wuhan city, Hubei province.

NIO Energy, Geely team up in EV charging field

On March 27, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. officially signed an open platform cooperation agreement with Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd., according to a post on Geely Auto's Weibo account.

Under the agreement, vehicle owners of Geely's Galaxy range, GEOME range, Lynk & Co, ZEEKR, and smart brands would gain access to real-time information about NIO charging piles via their respective brand apps. This information includes location, pricing, availability, and navigation guidance, facilitating seamless charging experiences.

NIO-affiliated Zhongan Energy, NIO Energy join hands to build EV charging, battery swapping networks

On March 22, Zhongan Energy (Anhui) Co., Ltd. ("Zhongan Energy") and Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy") inked a strategic cooperation agreement in Hefei, aiming to team up on building electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping networks, according to NIO's press release.

NIO, CATL forge partnership to innovate in long-life batteries for EVs

On March 14, NIO and CATL signed a framework agreement in Beijing, heralding a significant collaboration between the two parties. The partnership aims to push the boundaries of battery technology, focusing on the development of long-life batteries tailored to NIO's electric vehicle (EV) battery swap needs.

NIO's subsidiary signs technology license agreement with Forseven

NIO Inc., a prominent player in China's premium smart electric vehicle sector, on Monday officially disclosed that its subsidiary, NIO Technology (Anhui) Co., Ltd. (the "Company"), recently inked a technology license agreement (the "Technology License Agreement") with Forseven Limited ("Forseven"), a subsidiary of CYVN Holdings L.L.C.

Under the terms of the Technology License Agreement, the Company will provide Forseven with a non-exclusive and non-transferable worldwide license. This license will enable Forseven to utilize specific existing and future technical information, technical solutions, software, and intellectual property rights associated with or inherent in the Company's smart electric vehicle platforms (collectively known as the "Licensed Technologies").

China Southern Power Grid, NIO Energy team up on virtual power plant, battery swap station businesses

On February 26, 2024, China Southern Power Grid Peak Regulation and Frequency Modulation (Guangdong) Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd. ("CGS Energy Storage Tech"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Southern Power Grid ("CSG"), and NIO Energy Investment (Hubei) Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy"), signed a framework cooperation agreement in Guangzhou, marking a strategic alliance between the two entities.

The collaboration aims to facilitate the integration of resources into virtual power plant platforms, enhancing grid services such as peak regulation, frequency modulation, and demand-side response. This effort is expected to improve asset operational efficiency and benefits. The partners will also explore the construction of electric stations to promote their commercial application as distributed energy storage.

NIO begins pre-sale for 2024 vehicle models

On Feb.22, NIO announced via its WeChat account the commencement of the order lock-ins for its 2024 models, including the ES8, ES7, EC7, ES6, EC6, ET5, and ET5T, with unchanged starting prices.

NIO inks framework agreements with JAC Group, Chery Holding for battery swap cooperation

Zhong An Energy Co., Ltd. ("Zhong An" is Chinese Pinyin), which is jointly funded and established by Anhui Province Energy Group, NIO, Gotion High-tech, and Anhui Provincial New Energy Vehicle and Intelligent Connected Vehicle Industry Themed FoF (Fund of Funds), was unveiled in Hefei on January 11, according to a post on the WeChat account of Anhui Daily.

The new company is committed to advancing the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping infrastructure and platforms in Anhui Province, establishing standardized battery swapping protocols, and engaging in battery bank operations. Furthermore, there are plans to gradually extend the focus to areas such as the post-market services for new energy vehicles, virtual power plants, and carbon management.

NIO, LONGi to co-drive use of photovoltaic-generated power in EV charging, battery swap stations

On January 3, 2024, NIO and LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("LONGi") inked a strategic cooperation agreement, aiming to collaboratively advance the use of photovoltaic-generated clean energy in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, according to NIO's press release.