Nio plans to begin construction of a new battery research and development base in Shanghai’s Jiading district in the second half of this year, reinforcing its strategy of manufacturing in Anhui and conducting R&D in Shanghai. According to a local government WeChat account, the facility will include 31 lithium battery testing laboratories, one lithium-ion cell pilot line and one battery pack line. Nio’s global R&D headquarters for its mass-produced vehicles, established more than a decade ago in Jiading, already hosts multiple testing centers covering over 60,000 square meters.
In March, Nio and the government of Anting town signed an agreement to locate the battery R&D base in Jiading. Shortly thereafter, Nio Battery Technology (Shanghai) Co., a wholly owned subsidiary with 100 million yuan of registered capital, was officially registered in Shanghai. This entity will focus on next-generation battery technologies, including solid-state batteries expected to reach large-scale application after 2027. Nio has initiated collaborations with several companies and research institutions to explore oxide and sulfide solid-state battery pathways.
Recent years have seen strategic adjustments in Nio’s battery approach. In late 2023, the company considered spinning off its battery manufacturing arm to outsource production while retaining core technology R&D. At the same time, Nio has strengthened its supply chain, signing a five-year strategic cooperation agreement with CATL in January to secure battery supplies.
Deliveries of Nio’s flagship ES9 SUV have recently hit key milestones. On July 5, more than 1,000 ES9 units were delivered in Shanghai, making it the first city in China to reach that volume. On June 26, Nio delivered its 10,000th ES9 in Hefei, achieving 10,000 deliveries within 30 days of the model’s launch on May 27. Priced from 498,000 yuan including the battery pack—or 390,000 yuan under the battery-as-a-service plan—the ES9 secured over 50% market share in Shanghai’s premium all-electric segment during its first four days of deliveries.
In June, Nio delivered 40,597 vehicles, up 62.9% year-on-year and setting a new high for the year. In the first half of 2026, the company delivered 191,123 vehicles, a 67.4% year-on-year increase.
Source: China EV Post
