One of YouTube’s most popular mechanics has discussed a Chinese car company with a unique answer to long charging times that EV owners typically face.
Scotty Kilmer has worked with cars since the 1960s and now regularly makes YouTube videos to help buyers save money on their motoring bills and avoid causing mechanical issues.
In a recent video, Scotty discusses the Chinese EV startup Nio, which builds vehicles that feature interchangeable batteries that can be changed at automated swapping stations.
He explained: “If you haven’t heard of Nio, I’m telling you now, keep your eyes out for this company. This is a Chinese EV startup that’s often referred to as ‘China’s Tesla’, but actually it’s much more than that. It has something that no American EV maker currently offers: a quick-stop battery swap so you don’t have to charge your EV.
“Recently, Nio announced that it completed its 30 millionth battery swap. Move over Tesla, because this might be the one way that I possibly consider buying an EV!”
Established in Shanghai in 2014, Nio is an executive car manufacturer that currently builds seven all-electric models that feature the interchangeable battery system.
Whilst owners can also plug in their battery to charge it like a conventional EV, the idea allows drivers to visit a Nio swapping station, of which there are more than 2,400 in China, where an automated system will swap it for a freshly charged powerpack for around £8.50.
Nio currently sells their vehicles in Norway, where they currently operate 30 battery swapping stations, and have announced plans to begin selling their cars in the UK from 2025.
Later in the video, Scotty suggested that Nio’s battery swap can be achieved in a few minutes, making electric cars more viable for long-distance road trips and as public service vehicles.
He added: “Here’s how it works. When your EV needs more juice, you take it to a station to exchange your depleted battery for a fully charged one. It literally takes just a few minutes in cars that were designed for that.
“Battery swapping makes sense, especially when it comes to long road trips. It also makes sense for ride-share vehicles that want to get back on the road quickly, and even commercial vehicles and electric delivery trucks.”
The YouTuber also suggested that battery swapping could make electric cars more affordable, as the models do not have to come with the powerpack already fitted.
He continued: “To be clear, battery swapping isn’t intended as the only solution for EVs. Instead, it’s a compliment to the current charging infrastructure. Right now, when you think of EV charging, most consumers think of hooking up to an EV charging station.
“In the best case scenario, you’re looking at a wait of anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes if you’re the only one in line, and that’s if your EV is hooked to a DC fast charger. But, with battery swapping, that time is significantly decreased to anywhere between three to five minutes.”
