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The recent news of Nio’s 649-mile real-world test with its ET7 sedan and its groundbreaking 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery has sparked excitement in the electric vehicle (EV) world. While the headlines may focus on the impressive range achieved, the story behind this accomplishment delves deeper, weaving a narrative of technological advancements, ongoing challenges, and the potential future of EV travel.
The workhorses powering these vehicles today are lithium-ion batteries, reliable but not without limitations. Range anxiety, the constant worry about running out of juice, remains a major barrier. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries have inherent safety concerns associated with flammability and relatively slow charging times. Solid-state batteries promise to break through the limitations of lithium-ion batteries. However, the road to widespread adoption of solid-state batteries is still under construction.
This is where semi-solid-state batteries step in, acting as a bridge between the familiar liquid and the futuristic solid. This semi-solid state retains some of the liquid electrolyte’s benefits, like efficient ion conduction, while mitigating the downsides, like flammability and leakage. The result is the potential for faster charging, enhanced safety, improved cycle life, and ultimately, longer ranges – paving the way for EVs that can truly rival gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of travel distance.

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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Nio and other reliable sources.
A Real-world Endurance Test
On a 14-hour odyssey stretching 649 miles between Shanghai and Xiamen, the Nio ET7, equipped with its groundbreaking 150-kWh semi-solid-state battery, embarked on a real-world endurance test. The 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery boasts the highest energy density (360 Wh/kg) and largest capacity among mass-produced EV batteries in China. This innovative technology contributes significantly to the extended range.
Cold Weather Trek Showcases ET7’s Capabilities Beyond Ideal Conditions
The journey, undertaken by a group of drivers including Nio founder and CEO William Li, aimed to showcase the ET7’s capabilities under less-than-ideal conditions. Starting at a brisk 28°F in Shanghai, the team braved a recent cold wave sweeping across China, adding an extra layer of challenge to their endeavor.
Nio claims the trip consumed 97-percent of the battery’s capacity, suggesting an average energy efficiency hovering around 4.2 miles per kWh. This figure aligns with existing estimates for the ET7’s efficiency under moderate driving conditions, though independent confirmation is still pending.
Nio ET7 Semi-Solid-State Battery Specs
Battery Type |
150 kWh Semi-Solid-State |
Energy Density |
360 Wh/kg (cell), 260 Wh/kg (pack) |
Range (Test) |
649 miles (1,044 km) |
Average Speed (Test) |
45 mph (72 km/h) |
Energy Efficiency (Test) |
4.2 miles/kWh (6.8 km/kWh) |
Charging Speed (Estimated) |
Up to 40-percent faster than Li-ion batteries |
Cycle Life (Estimated) |
Longer lifespan and slower degradation than Li-ion batteries |
Safety Features |
Reduced flammability and leakage compared to Li-ion batteries |
(Specs sourced from Nio)
Nio ET7 Maintains Impressive Efficiency And Cabin Comfort
Cruising at an average speed of 45 mph, the test aimed to represent a blend of highway stretches and potentially slower urban traffic encounters. While not a blistering pace, it’s a far cry from the hyper-conservative driving often employed to squeeze out maximum range from electric vehicles. Comfort, it seems, wasn’t sacrificed in the name of range. Nio reports maintaining a pleasantly temperate 20°C (68°F) inside the ET7’s cabin throughout the journey.

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A Stepping Stone To Solid-State Nirvana
Traditional lithium-ion batteries, the workhorses of the EV world, are undeniably effective. However, they come with limitations, including potential flammability concerns and relatively slow charging speeds. Enter the solid-state battery, the holy grail of EV tech. These batteries promise improved safety, faster charging, and higher energy density, potentially doubling the range of electric vehicles.
However, the road to widespread solid-state adoption is still under construction. Manufacturing challenges and material complexities have kept them confined to labs and pilot projects. This is where semi-solid-state batteries step in.
Semi-Solid, Finding The Middle Ground
As the name suggests, semi-solid-state batteries bridge the gap between traditional liquid and futuristic solid electrolytes. Imagine a thick, gel-like electrolyte suspending the battery’s active materials. This semi-solid state retains some of the liquid electrolyte’s advantages, like efficient ion conduction, while mitigating the downsides, like flammability and leakage.
Benefits Of Semi-Solid-state Technology:
- Faster Charging: Compared to their liquid counterparts, semi-solid batteries can potentially charge up to 40-percent faster, slashing valuable wait times at charging stations.
- Enhanced Safety: The reduced amount of liquid electrolyte minimizes the risk of fire or explosions, a major concern with traditional batteries.
- Improved Cycle Life: Semi-solid batteries may exhibit longer lifespans and slower degradation compared to liquid batteries, translating to potentially fewer battery replacements throughout a vehicle’s life.
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The Role Of Nio’s ADAS In The ET7 Real-World Test
A key factor in this performance was the Nio Pilot, particularly its NOP+ (Navigate on Pilot+) feature, an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS). The official results highlight NOP+ being engaged for 92-percent of the trip and contributing to energy optimization.
NOP+ In Action:
- Highway Autopilot: Maintaining lane position, speed, and following distance on highways, reducing driver fatigue and improving fuel efficiency.
- Traffic Jam Pilot: Assisting in stop-and-go traffic situations, potentially minimizing energy wasted through frequent braking and acceleration.
- Automatic Lane Change: Handling lane changes when prompted, potentially leading to smoother driving and reduced energy expenditure compared to manual maneuvering.
Cons:
- Driver Engagement: While NOP+ assisted with driving, it’s crucial to remember that it remains an ADAS feature requiring driver supervision and attentiveness. Overreliance on the system could pose safety risks.
- External Factors: Weather, road conditions, and traffic patterns can significantly impact both driving range and the effectiveness of ADAS features like NOP+. These factors need to be considered when evaluating the test results. The test results provide specific data for this particular journey, and generalizing the efficiency gains to all driving scenarios or environments may not be accurate.
However, the Nio ET7’s real-world test demonstrates the potential of advanced ADAS systems like NOP+ to enhance driving comfort, safety, and potentially, efficiency.

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Implications And Future Outlook
The real-world performance of the Nio ET7 equipped with semi-solid-state batteries presents a compelling glimpse into the future of electric vehicles. While further analysis and wider adoption are necessary for definitive conclusions, this test drive offers several intriguing implications and potential outlooks for the technology and the broader EV landscape.
Reduced Range Anxiety
Achieving a range exceeding 600 miles on a single charge undoubtedly addresses a key concern for many prospective EV buyers: range anxiety. This demonstration suggests that EVs equipped with semi-solid-state batteries could attempt to match the range of gasoline-powered vehicles.
The Nio ET7’s accomplishment, along with similar efforts from other manufacturers, such as Toyota, marks a potential turning point in the EV industry. Longer ranges expand the practical appeal of EVs to a wider segment of consumers, including those with higher mileage needs or limited access to charging infrastructure. This broader appeal could fuel significant growth in the EV market, shaping the transportation landscape of the future.
Technological Advancements
The success of the Nio ET7 paves the way for further advancements in battery technology. Semi-solid-state batteries offer numerous advantages over their lithium-ion counterparts, including higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety. Continued research and development could optimize these benefits and address remaining challenges, such as cost and manufacturing scalability.
Battery Swapping Potential
Nio’s innovative battery-swapping network presents a unique solution to the potential cost barrier associated with high-performance batteries. By offering the 150 kWh battery as a rental option, users can experience its benefits without the significant upfront investment. This model could democratize access to cutting-edge battery technology and further promote EV adoption.
Uncertainties And Potential Challenges Exist
The Nio test drive provides valuable insights, but it is essential to gather data from a wider range of driving conditions and users to draw definitive conclusions about the real-world performance and long-term viability of semi-solid-state batteries. While costs are expected to decrease with technological advancements, semi-solid-state batteries may not yet be commercially competitive with lithium-ion batteries.

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In conclusion, the Nio ET7’s real-world test with its semi-solid-state battery marks a significant milestone in the EV industry. Achieving a 649-mile range on a single charge addresses range anxiety, a major hurdle for EV adoption. This accomplishment, coupled with the inherent advantages of semi-solid-state batteries like faster charging and improved safety, paves the way for a future where EVs are more practical and appealing to a wider range of consumers.
However, challenges like cost, manufacturing scalability, and potential incompatibility with existing charging infrastructure remain. Continued research, development, and collaboration between manufacturers, policymakers, and infrastructure providers are crucial to overcome these hurdles and unlock the full potential of semi-solid-state batteries, shaping a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.
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