Automakers desperately need to be treated like technology companies. Today, they are more interested in boasting screen sizes and driving aids than strength and hardware figures. Manufacturers also relax at the prospect of charging a monthly payment for certain equipment. This is precisely what Cadillac does with its super cruise driving aid, and BMW is launching the concept of switching to a subscription-based style for certain features like heated seats. Now, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio is embarking on an even more excessive road, announced Thursday.
In its home market, Nio offers a new battery-as-a-service program, or BaaS in short. The concept is that consumers can buy a new electric vehicle without battery and then purchase one for a separate monthly fee. This can reduce the acquisition value of a new vehicle through 70,000 yuan, or about $10,100. But a battery-free electric car is as useful as the electric windows of a submarine or a hairdryer that you can use in the shower.
As for the very giant battery, and completely necessary, a pack of 70 kWh will charge 980 yuan according to the month, or about $140 converted. Other features and charges will also be available.
Changing the battery is a crazy idea, but it has some advantages, as well as offering safe options to electric vehicle owners. If they need to transfer to a larger battery in the future, they can do so without problems. They are also loose to worry about battery deterioration over time and related decreases in battery life. Finally, the resale price of cars will probably increase as, once again, battery degradation is excluded from the equation.
Battery subscriptions will necessarily be paints for other automakers, as all electric cars have redeemable packages. Nio’s cars, in addition to the EC6, EC6 and ES8 SUVs, were designed with this in mind. The company holds more than 1,200 patents similar to this generation and has built 143 force exchange stations in China. To date, Nio has conducted more than 800,000 battery exchanges, so it’s obviously a viable generation that can be extended to other countries around the world.
This was originally published on Roadshow.
Gallery: 2019 Nissan Maxima Driving Notes (engine1)
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