Nio’s battery asset company, Mirattery, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with leading battery manufacturer CATL to boost equity investment and expand battery swap networks, potentially improving access and efficiency for electric vehicle owners across China.

Mirattery and CATL Partnership Overview

Mirattery and CATL supuestamente formalized their agreement in Hefei, Anhui province, with Mirattery CEO Lai Xiaoming and CATL’s battery swap business general manager Yang Jun representing their companies. The deal focuses on equity investment, battery rental operations, user services, and the joint development of battery swap stations. This move builds on earlier reports from March, when local media indicated CATL planned to increase its stake in Mirattery.

The collaboration extends to sharing battery swap infrastructure and recycling battery resources, which could reduce costs and environmental impact for EV users. Mirattery manages over 27 gigawatt-hours of battery assets, supporting more than 350,000 customers, after nearly five years of growth since its founding in August 2020.

Technological and Business Advancements

Under the agreement, the companies will work together on electric vehicle battery technology, innovative solutions, and new business models. This aims to create stronger links between upstream suppliers like CATL and downstream operators like Mirattery, fostering efficiency in the EV supply chain.

The partnership aligns with Nio’s broader efforts in battery services. In March, Nio announced a separate deal with CATL to build the world’s largest battery swap network, including capital cooperation where CATL committed up to 2.5 billion yuan, equivalent to about $344 million, in Nio’s power unit. Such investments could accelerate the rollout of swap stations, allowing drivers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in minutes, addressing range anxiety and charging downtime.

Battery swapping offers technical benefits, such as preserving battery health by avoiding frequent fast charging, which can degrade cells over time. For enthusiasts, this means longer vehicle lifespan and potentially lower ownership costs through rental models, where users pay for battery use separately from the car.

Implications for EV Owners and the Industry

This deepened alliance signals growing confidence in battery swapping as a viable alternative to traditional charging. For recreational EV drivers, expanded networks could mean more convenient travel, especially in urban areas like Hefei, where Nio operates two factories and recently showcased its Onvo sub-brand’s L90 SUV.

Economically, the partnership may lower barriers to EV adoption by separating battery costs from vehicle purchases, making cars more affordable upfront. Regulatory aspects in China support this, with policies encouraging sustainable energy and recycling, which the deal addresses through resource recovery.

Industry trends show battery giants like CATL, based in Ningde, Fujian, increasing involvement in service models to secure market share amid rising EV demand. Mirattery, headquartered in Wuhan, Hubei, started as a joint venture with CATL, Nio, Guotai Junan, and Hubei Science and Technology Investment, each initially holding 25 percent. Current ownership sees Nio at 19.4 percent, with CATL and Hubei tied at 10.68 percent each.

Overall, this cooperation could set a model for global EV ecosystems, emphasizing integrated services that enhance user experience and operational reliability. As battery technology evolves, such partnerships position companies to meet the needs of a growing base of EV owners seeking efficient, scalable solutions.