Nio Expands Onvo Battery Swap Network and Accelerates New EV Launches

Nio Inc is accelerating the expansion of its energy replenishment infrastructure through its sub-brand Onvo while simultaneously increasing the pace of new electric vehicle launches in China. The company is focusing on strengthening battery swap accessibility, improving charging convenience, and expanding its intelligent EV lineup to maintain competitiveness in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. The latest developments also reflect the company’s broader strategy to support long-distance travel, advanced driver assistance systems, and next-generation energy infrastructure across its growing portfolio of electric vehicles.

Shen Fei, senior vice president of Nio Inc and president of Onvo, confirmed that the number of battery swap stations available to the Onvo brand will exceed 3,300 by the end of this year. Earlier this year, Onvo completed its battery doubling project by adding more than 8,000 batteries to its network. The expansion significantly improved replenishment efficiency and reduced waiting times for users. According to the latest charging map data, Onvo currently operates 2,491 swap stations, including 691 highway-based locations designed to support long-distance driving requirements.

Current Battery Swap Infrastructure Comparison

The latest infrastructure figures highlight the rapid expansion pace of both Onvo and the main Nio brand as the company prepares for wider EV adoption and higher traffic volumes across its energy replenishment ecosystem.

The company also highlighted the growing capabilities of its latest battery swap technology. Fourth-generation swap stations currently under construction can directly support Onvo vehicles without requiring major modifications. Older-generation stations still require upgrades before becoming compatible with Onvo models. China-based EV infrastructure development continues to intensify as automakers compete to provide faster and more seamless energy replenishment experiences for consumers.

Nio Inc further revealed plans to begin pilot operations for fifth-generation battery swap stations between May and June. The company intends to deploy five to 10 pioneer stations initially for public testing and operational evaluation. Large-scale deployment is scheduled to begin during July and August. These next-generation facilities will additionally support vehicles from Firefly, another sub-brand under the Nio ecosystem, marking the first time multiple sub-brands will share the same advanced swap infrastructure platform.

Onvo Expands Product Portfolio with New Electric SUVs

Alongside infrastructure growth, Onvo is aggressively expanding its vehicle lineup with several upcoming electric SUV launches. The company plans to officially launch the Onvo L80 on May 15. The large five-seat electric SUV had already entered the pre-sales stage late last month, indicating strong confidence in demand for premium electric utility vehicles. The launch is expected to strengthen Onvo’s position in the competitive mid-to-large SUV segment.

The company also plans to begin pre-sales for the upgraded Onvo L60 later this month before its official market launch in June. During a recent livestream, Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li stated that the updated L60 will include a new LiDAR-equipped version. The upgraded vehicle will additionally feature the company’s in-house Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip, highlighting Nio’s continued investment in self-developed intelligent driving technologies and flexible product configurations.

In addition to the L80 and updated L60, Onvo recently started deliveries of the 2026 large three-row L90 SUV. The continuous launch cycle is considered essential for sustaining sales momentum in the increasingly crowded electric vehicle market. Onvo delivered 5,352 vehicles in April this year, representing a year-on-year increase of 21.64%. However, deliveries declined 22.18% compared with March, demonstrating the importance of new model introductions and infrastructure expansion in maintaining consistent growth.

Future Expansion Plans for Fifth-Generation Swap Stations

Nio Inc is preparing for an even larger infrastructure investment cycle beginning in 2026. Earlier this year, William Li confirmed plans to deploy at least 1,000 fifth-generation battery swap stations during the current year. The strategy reflects the company’s long-term objective of building a highly accessible and interconnected battery swap ecosystem capable of supporting multiple EV brands and next-generation intelligent electric vehicles across China. The company believes large-scale infrastructure deployment will improve customer convenience while strengthening long-distance electric mobility adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many battery swap stations will Onvo operate by the end of the year?
Onvo plans to operate more than 3,300 battery swap stations by the end of this year as part of its aggressive EV infrastructure expansion strategy. The company currently operates 2,491 swap stations, including 691 highway-based facilities designed for long-distance travel support. The expansion aims to improve battery replenishment efficiency, reduce waiting times, and enhance overall user convenience. The growing network is also expected to support upcoming electric vehicle launches and strengthen Onvo’s competitiveness in the Chinese electric vehicle market.

What new vehicles is Onvo launching in 2026?
Onvo is expanding its electric SUV lineup with several new and upgraded models aimed at strengthening its market position. The company will officially launch the Onvo L80 large electric SUV in May, followed by the upgraded L60 SUV with LiDAR technology in June. Onvo has also started deliveries of the 2026 L90 three-row SUV. These launches are important for maintaining sales momentum while supporting the company’s broader strategy of integrating advanced autonomous driving technologies and intelligent EV features into its future product portfolio.