Which Models of New Energy Vehicles Support Battery Swapping?
3 Answers
New energy vehicles that support battery swapping include the BAIC EU Fast Swap Edition from BAIC New Energy, and the NIO ES6 and ES8 from NIO. NIO is a global intelligent electric vehicle brand established in November 2014, with main products including the NIO ES6, NIO ES8, NIO EC6, NIO EVE, and NIO EP9. The BAIC EU Fast Swap Edition is the first model to adopt BAIC's battery value separation model, featuring a range of 300km and equipped with a robust Saab chassis capable of carrying batteries weighing over 300kg. Battery-swappable pure electric vehicles are a type of pure electric vehicle, meaning they do not use other energy sources or fuels and are only equipped with power batteries and electric motors. Pure electric vehicles are generally divided into two types: charging and battery swapping. Charging involves connecting the vehicle's power battery to the grid or charging station, similar to wired charging for mobile phone batteries. Battery swapping, on the other hand, involves directly replacing the depleted power battery with a fully charged one, akin to dock charging for mobile phone batteries. However, unlike mobile phone battery swaps, electric vehicle batteries are larger and heavier, requiring professional swapping equipment, typically performed at specialized battery swap stations. The entire process usually takes 3-5 minutes. Compared to charging methods that often take half an hour or more, the efficiency of battery swapping is significantly superior. Compared to charging stations, the operational costs of battery swap stations are clearly higher. Swap stations require a complete battery swapping system and must maintain a certain inventory of power batteries. The storage and transportation of power batteries require corresponding national certifications. Additionally, the later operational and maintenance costs are higher than those of regular charging stations. Currently, there is no unified standard for power battery specifications and installation forms among different automakers, suppliers, and vehicle models. In such an environment, the battery swapping model is difficult to promote on a large scale.
I've been driving the NIO ES6 for almost two years now, and its battery swap mode is incredibly convenient. Every long-distance trip gets a full recharge in under five minutes. NIO is a pioneer in battery swap technology, with models like the ES8, ES6, ET7, ET5, and EC6 all supporting automated battery swaps. I've experienced it on highways—the swap station network is extensive, with roughly one station every 100 kilometers. Compared to charging, it saves valuable time, especially during traffic jams when range anxiety disappears. Other brands like Geely's Geometry A also offer battery swap versions, but NIO provides a smoother user experience and smarter battery diagnostics. If you're considering a purchase, from a practical driving perspective, NIO's lineup is the top choice. Of course, the battery swap ecosystem is still expanding—for example, BAIC New Energy's EU series taxis also use swap stations, though private car options remain limited. Overall, battery swapping not only improves range efficiency but also reduces battery degradation issues. I believe it's the future trend and worth trying.
As a car enthusiast focused on new energy vehicles, I've noticed that mainstream battery-swappable models include NIO's full lineup (such as the ES6, ES8, and ET7), as well as Geely's Geometry A battery-swap version and the Maple 80V taxi series. These vehicles feature standardized battery designs, enabling quick swaps at battery stations. Technologically, NIO's battery packs are compatible across multiple models, delivering stable range performance. Geely's models prioritize cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for the mass market. The advantage of battery swapping lies in eliminating charging wait times, ideal for urban commuting or long-distance travel. Maintenance is also simplified, with battery lifespan managed by manufacturers, preventing damage from frequent charging. When selecting a vehicle, consider battery capacity matching—for instance, NIO's 100kWh pack is better suited for highway driving. While the battery-swapping network is still being optimized, current models are more than capable of meeting daily needs.
