Dongfeng Motor's MHERO, NIO Power forge partnership in EV charging field

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 5, MHERO Technology, the new energy off-roader manufacturer under Dongfeng Motor, announced a strategic charging partnership with NIO Power, allowing MHERO vehicles to access NIO's electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

MHERO 917; photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

Effective immediately, MHERO users can locate and utilize NIO’s charging stations through the MHERO app and in-car systems, significantly improving convenience and charging efficiency. NIO Power offers a seamless, intelligent charging experience, allowing users to easily find stations, check prices, availability, and reviews in real-time through the NIO app, NIO Power app, and NIO's vehicle interface.

Designed for user convenience, NIO's lightweight charging cables can be operated with one hand and support plug-and-charge, password-free, and automatic payment features, providing an efficient and streamlined charging process for all users.

NIO has been rapidly expanding its energy replenishment network in 2024. Currently, over 80% of the energy provided by NIO's services is used by non-NIO brands' vehicles. The company has established charging interoperability with numerous car brands, including Huawei's Harmony lntelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), Hongqi, DEEPAL, AION, IM Motors, ZEEKR, Lotus Cars, Cadillac, Buick, and XPENG.

On September 2, NIO announced the launch of its 2,500th battery swap station in China, located in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia. This marks the first such facility in the eastern part of Inner Mongolia, further expanding NIO's extensive battery swap network.

At the Chengdu Motor Show 2024, NIO's co-founder and president, Mr. Qin Lihong, unveiled plans to enhance the battery swap infrastructure along the 318 Sichuan-Xizang Highway. The company aims to add nine more stations to the existing five, ensuring complete coverage from Chengdu to Xizang.

On August 20, NIO announced the Power Up Counties plan to expand the charging and swapping network to counties across China, with the aim of providing convenient, efficient and extensive services.

According to this plan, NIO intends to achieve full battery swap coverage in 1,200 county-level regions across 14 provincial-level administrative divisions by June 30, 2025. The first phase will include Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Macao, Guangdong, Hubei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Henan, Sichuan, Anhui, and Fujian. By December 31, 2025, NIO plans to expand the coverage to 27 provincial-level regions, reaching over 2,300 counties.

Starting in 2026, NIO aims to complete the coverage in more than 2,800 counties nationwide, ensuring that its battery swap stations are accessible in virtually every county across China.

As of September 2, NIO has deployed 2,500 battery swap stations (838 stations located along expressways), 3,968 EV charging stations with 23,202 charging piles across China. Additionally, NIO has had access to over 1,038,000 third-party charging stalls.