EqualOcean reports that on February 26, NIO officially launched its first battery swap station in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This marks NIO’s first energy service network node in the UAE. Positioned in the Silver 2 parking lot at Yas Marina Circuit, the station is strategically located in Abu Dhabi’s key commercial and residential district. It aims to provide efficient energy replenishment services for EV users and is expected to commence operations shortly.
Technically, the station features NIO’s third-generation battery swap technology, capable of housing up to 21 battery packs and completing up to 408 swaps per day. NIO’s battery swap stations employ an optimized charging strategy that regulates current to extend battery lifespan while also supporting grid load balancing and battery recycling. To date, NIO has completed over 67 million battery swaps worldwide, serving more than 680,000 users.
As NIO’s 3,189th battery swap station globally, the Abu Dhabi site aligns with the “Abu Dhabi 2030 Economic Vision”, which prioritizes sustainable transportation solutions. With a population exceeding 10 million and a per capita GDP of over $50,000, the UAE is witnessing a surge in demand for electric vehicle infrastructure, driven by the transition to clean energy. By establishing a foothold in Abu Dhabi, NIO aims to expand its presence across the Middle East and North Africa, reinforcing its role in advancing smart EV technology.
Mohammed Maktari, CEO of NIO Middle East and North Africa, described the station’s launch as “a transformative step in the region’s electric vehicle development”.
NIO’s global expansion began in 2021 with its entry into Norway, followed by a gradual rollout in five European markets, including Germany and the Netherlands. In October 2024, the company formed a joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings, establishing Nio MENA and positioning the UAE as a critical hub for autonomous driving and battery swap technology in the region. Simultaneously, the two companies announced plans to develop a research and development center focusing on AI and autonomous driving.
NIO founder William Li had previously set a target to expand into 25 countries by 2025. Although geopolitical challenges briefly slowed progress, the company has significantly ramped up its international expansion efforts in 2024. At COP29, NIO President Qin Lihong reaffirmed this commitment, emphasizing the continued push for global growth. Through its expanding battery swap network and localized services, NIO is actively promoting the global narrative of “Chinese smart manufacturing”.
Picture source: NIO