Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio launched on Thursday its inaugural second-generation battery swap station, sealing a partnership with state-owned oil and chemical company Sinopec.

The Nio Power Swap Station 2.0 opened in Beijing at Sinopec’s Chaoying Station. The facility offers drivers the option to swap their batteries for fully charged ones in a matter of minutes. The automated system enables a complete self-service battery swap with only one click while users stay in the car. The facility can swap up to 312 batteries per day, Kallanish reports.

As both the carmaker and the petrochemical work to expand their electric charging infrastructure and contribute to China’s smart EV industry and carbon neutrality goals, a strategic partnership was formed. In addition to battery charging and swapping network developments, the companies plan to collaborate in areas such as new materials, smart EV tech, Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) and vehicle purchasing. Specific details weren’t revealed.

Sinopec’s chairman Yuzhuo Zhang noted the company is accelerating its transformation from traditional petroleum product sales to an integrated energy service provider. This includes a portfolio of oil, gas, hydrogen, electricity and non-oil business such as battery swapping and fast charging.

“Over the next five years, Sinopec plans to deploy 5,000 battery charging and swapping stations,” he adds.

Nio’s ceo William Li believes Sinopec’s “determination” to invest in green energy service will encourage new energy vehicles adoption, which in turn, will benefit both the company and China as a country.

The carmaker’s Power Swap programme completed in March its 2 millionth battery swap as part of its Baas solution. Under the scheme customers are offered chargeable, swappable and upgradable batteries, which the company says it allows users to “continuously enjoy the progress of battery technology.”

The ultimate goal is to reduce range anxiety and boost its EVs sales.