Anglo-Dutch energy major Shell and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio are targeting 100 co-branded battery swap stations in China by 2025, Kallanish reports.

The ambition is part of a strategic partnership Shell announced last week to improve the charging experience for EV drivers around the world. It will start with two pilot sites in China, as well as additional co-branded battery swap stations at Shell EV charging hubs and Shell Recharge fast chargers at Nio locations.

The first pilots in Europe are planned for next year, scaling rapidly after subject to success. Shell says in a statement that the companies will collaborate on integrating its Shell Recharge Mobility Service Provider (MSP), which will give Nio customers in Europe access to the region’s largest roaming EV charging networks through Shell Recharge Solutions. This covers home and business chargers.

While targeting a “differentiated and quality offer” to drivers globally – at home, at destinations and on-the-go -- the companies are also vowing to intensify efforts in R&D and battery swapping technologies to further improve both technology and business model.

Nio’s battery swapping services in China are seen as a game-changer by customers, who can replace an empty battery for a fully charged one in less than 5 minutes. The stations also carry out safety and minimum standard checks on all the batteries. The concept is yet to grow in Europe and other parts of the world.

Shell aims to operate over 500,000 EV charge points worldwide by 2025. The company already claims to be the largest mobility retailer by number of service stations, with close to 46,000 locations in nearly 80 global markets. Its 2025 target include over 30,000 Shell Recharge charge points at its forecourts and destinations such as supermarkets. In China, it operates over 850 public charge points at Shell service stations, plus dedicated EV mobility hubs.

“Decarbonisation is a global challenge that requires broad-reaching, multi-faceted solutions,” comments István Kapitány, global vice president of Shell Mobility. “Together, we’ll be working to improve every aspect of the EV experience.”