Mainland Chinese electric-vehicle maker Nio has inaugurated its first battery-swap station in the United Arab Emirates, marking its entry into the Middle East and North America (MENA) region. This station, opened on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on Feb. 26, offers a strategic location at the Yas Marina Circuit and aligns with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 toward sustainable and innovative transport solutions.
The new station is Nio's 3,189th battery-swap station worldwide and aims to facilitate travel across the Emirates. Mohammed Maktari, CEO of Nio MENA, emphasized the station's role in advancing electric mobility and renewable energy solutions in the region.
The third-generation battery-swap station can accommodate up to 21 batteries and supports up to 408 swaps daily. This service is presented as a quicker alternative to supercharging, allowing drivers to exchange their vehicle's battery for a fully charged one in a short time. Nio highlighted the benefits of this system, including optimized charging currents for battery longevity and features supporting grid peak regulation and easier battery recycling.
The swap service is priced at 119 dirhams ($32) for a 100-kWh battery pack and 99 dirhams for a 75-kWh pack, with the service being available to Nio users for the first three to five years of ownership.
Nio's global expansion commenced with its entry into Norway in October 2021, followed by other European markets. Its venture into the MENA region was established through an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings in October 2024, leading to the opening of Nio MENA. The company also plans to setup a research and development center in Abu Dhabi focusing on autonomous driving and AI.
Nio's presence in the UAE was further solidified with the opening of Nio House Abu Dhabi and a Nio Space showroom in Dubai. Despite a slowdown in global expansion due to unfavorable geopolitical conditions, Nio remains committed to expanding its presence to as many as 25 countries and regions by the end of 2025, as stated by Co-founder and President Qin Lihong.
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