Nio and Zeekr, two direct competitors in the electric vehicle industry, have recently come to a groundbreaking agreement to share charging facilities. This collaboration between the two companies is a rare occurrence in a highly competitive market.
The agreement, announced on May 29, involves Nio’s energy unit, Nio Power, and Zeekr’s energy division, Zeekr Power, working together to provide users with a more convenient charging service. This partnership will allow users of Nio’s three brands – Nio, Onvo, and Firefly – to access Zeekr Power’s charging stations through their respective apps and in-car charging maps. This integration aims to enhance the overall charging experience for EV owners.
Nio has been leading the way in terms of charging infrastructure in China, boasting a network of 2,829 supercharging stations with 13,027 charging stalls, as well as 1,741 destination charging stations with 13,281 chargers. Additionally, the company’s battery swap stations, a signature feature of Nio vehicles, currently number 3,337, with 988 located along highways.
On the other hand, Zeekr operates its own network of supercharging stations, totaling 1,580 as of the latest data release. By joining forces with Nio, Zeekr aims to expand its reach and provide a more comprehensive charging solution for its users.
This partnership between Nio and Zeekr is part of Nio’s broader strategy to collaborate with other EV brands and create a more interconnected charging ecosystem. Previously, Nio had established similar partnerships with 17 other brands, including Xiaomi EV, Chery, Dongfeng M-Hero, Huawei HIMA, FAW Hongqi, and GAC Energy.
Overall, this collaboration between Nio and Zeekr signifies a shift towards a more collaborative approach in the EV industry, where competitors are willing to work together to improve the overall user experience and advance the adoption of electric vehicles. This partnership is a testament to the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.