CCTV Highlights Battery Swap Model: 3-Minute Recharge, Solving the "Mismatched Lifespan" Industry Challenge

In CCTV’s “Dialogue” program, NIO CEO William Li engaged in an in-depth discussion with industry experts on the advantages of battery swapping. Compared to ultra-fast charging, battery swapping is not only faster—taking just three minutes—but also better for battery health and grid stability. Given that most high-rise residential buildings in China lack conditions for home charging, battery swapping effectively addresses the pain point of users being unable to install private charging piles. Each battery swap includes a simultaneous “health check” and centralized maintenance, ensuring safety and performance. Li pointed out that while vehicles can last over 15 years, battery warranties typically cover only eight years or 120,000 kilometers, creating a significant mismatch in lifespan that leads to substantial hidden costs. Over the next eight years, warranties for approximately 41.6 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China are expected to expire; replacing all their batteries would incur a staggering total cost of RMB 2.5 trillion. Through its “battery-as-a-service” (BaaS) model and battery leasing program, NIO enables users to avoid purchasing batteries outright, upgrade batteries on demand, and benefit from ongoing technological advancements. This approach also facilitates full lifecycle management of batteries, supporting the sustainable development of the entire industry.