Nio has recently announced a strategic partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to collaborate on research and development in the field of battery technologies. The memorandum of understanding for this partnership was signed at Nio’s global headquarters in Shanghai, with PolyU’s president, Teng Jin-Guang, and Nio’s founder, chairman, and CEO, William Li, in attendance.
The primary focus of this partnership is to advance the research and development of new power battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs) and to enhance talent training in this area. Researchers from both Nio and PolyU will work together on forward-looking, key, and engineering application technologies for EVs, as well as conduct basic research on high-end equipment manufacturing and related industries.
One notable project that has already received funding from the Hong Kong SAR government is led by PolyU’s professor Zheng Zijian’s team. This project aims to develop an ultra-lightweight, ultra-thin, flexible, and robust conductive composite film that can significantly increase the energy density of lithium-ion and solid-state lithium batteries.
While the specific details of how the research results will be utilized in the future are not yet disclosed, Nio has expressed its commitment to developing batteries in-house. The company has assembled a team of over 400 people dedicated to this purpose, with a focus on gaining a competitive advantage in the EV market.
In a recent earnings call, Nio revealed plans to reduce jobs by approximately 10 percent, with potential impacts on the battery business. Despite this, the company continues to invest in battery R&D, aiming to exceed an annual R&D investment of RMB 1 billion ($140 million).
Nio’s current battery suppliers include CATL, CALB, and Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology, with whom they have developed a semi-solid-state battery pack with a capacity of 150 kWh. Additionally, Nio has introduced BYD as a new battery supplier for their sub-brand Onvo.
Overall, the partnership between Nio and PolyU signifies a significant step towards advancing battery technologies for EVs. By combining their expertise and resources, the two entities aim to drive innovation and contribute to the development of sustainable transportation solutions.
