NIO Battery R&D Base Project in Shanghai to Begin Construction in 2026

NIO Inc has confirmed plans to expand its battery development capabilities with a new research and development base in China. According to an announcement issued by the Jiading District People's Government of Shanghai, construction of the new facility is expected to commence between August and October 2026. The investment represents a significant step in strengthening the company's long-term battery technology development strategy and supporting future electric vehicle innovations.

NIO to Establish Dedicated Next-Generation Battery Research Platform

The upcoming facility will become NIO's first comprehensive research and development platform in Shanghai dedicated exclusively to next-generation power batteries. Once completed, the site will include 31 lithium battery testing laboratories, a lithium-ion cell pilot production line, and a battery pack assembly line. These facilities are designed to support battery validation, prototype development, testing activities, and manufacturing process optimization for future battery technologies.

Jiading Continues to Play a Central Role in Research Activities

NIO already operates several research and testing facilities within Jiading, where the combined gross floor area exceeds 60,000 square meters. The company considers these existing facilities a major foundation for its technology research and development activities. The addition of the new battery R&D base is expected to further enhance engineering capabilities by integrating advanced testing infrastructure with pilot-scale production resources under one dedicated platform.

NIO Records Strong Vehicle Delivery Growth in 2026

The company also reported robust sales momentum during 2026. In June, NIO delivered 40,597 vehicles, representing its highest monthly delivery volume of the year and a 62.9% increase compared with the same month last year. During the first half of 2026, total deliveries reached 191,123 units, reflecting year-over-year growth of 67.4%. The company's three vehicle brands—NIO, ONVO, and Firefly—all achieved record delivery performance during the period.

NIO 2026 Battery Project and Delivery Highlights

The planned investment demonstrates NIO's continued emphasis on advancing battery research while expanding internal testing and pilot manufacturing capabilities. By combining specialized laboratories with pilot production facilities, the company aims to accelerate the development of future battery technologies. Alongside its strong delivery growth across the NIO, ONVO, and Firefly brands, the new research base is expected to reinforce the company's long-term technology development strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the NIO battery R&D base project begin construction?
The NIO battery research and development base in Shanghai is scheduled to begin construction between August and October 2026. The project will establish the company's first comprehensive Shanghai platform dedicated to next-generation power battery research. The facility will include advanced lithium battery laboratories, a lithium-ion cell pilot line, and a battery pack assembly line to strengthen research, testing, validation, and pilot manufacturing capabilities for future electric vehicle battery technologies.

What facilities will be included in NIO's new battery R&D base?
The project will feature 31 lithium battery testing laboratories, a lithium-ion cell pilot production line, and a battery pack assembly line. Together, these facilities will support battery development, prototype validation, engineering research, and manufacturing process optimization. The new center will complement NIO's existing Jiading research facilities, which already exceed 60,000 square meters, further expanding the company's capabilities in next-generation battery innovation.