NIO to Finalize West Sichuan Loop and Yunnan–Tibet Swap Networks within 2025

So far, NIO has established 8,192 charging and swap stations nationwide, including 3,467 battery swap stations and 4,725 charging stations, supported by more than 27,000 charging piles.

On August 29, at the Chengdu Auto Show, NIO announced that it will fully connect the West Sichuan Loop and the Yunnan–Tibet battery swap route by the end of the year.

The West Sichuan Loop stretches over 1,400 kilometers, starting from Chengdu and linking destinations including Ya’an, Xinduqiao, Danba, Hongyuan, Songpan, and Dujiangyan. NIO plans to deploy 13 battery swap stations along this route, with eight already operational and the remaining five scheduled to go live in September.

The Yunnan–Tibet battery swap route extends from Kunming in Yunnan to Dingri near Mount Everest in Tibet, covering more than 2,700 kilometers. NIO plans to install 19 swap stations along this route; 16 are already built, with the final three located in Shangri-La, Deqin, and Mangkang counties.

In fact, in mid-August, NIO announced the completion of battery swap coverage along the G318 Sichuan–Tibet Highway.

During the Chengdu Auto Show, the company also launched a limited-time promotion: from August 29 to October 12, all NIO and Ledao users (excluding commercial vehicles) can swap batteries on the G318 route unlimited times for free, encouraging more drivers to experience the convenience of long-distance battery swapping firsthand.

Currently, NIO operates the largest self-built charging and battery swap network in China. The company has invested over RMB 18 billion ($2.51 billion) to date.

As of August 29, NIO has established 8,192 charging and swap stations nationwide, including 3,467 battery swap stations and 4,725 charging stations, supported by more than 27,000 charging piles.

Beyond major transportation corridors, NIO launched its “Power Journeys” program in 2023. To date, the company has completed 80 long-distance “Power Routes” covering scenic roads such as the Silk Road, Duku Highway, Sichuan–Qinghai–Yunnan Tibet routes, Hulunbuir Grasslands, Shenzhou Arctic Line, and Huaxia East Extreme Line.

With the completion of the West Sichuan Loop and the Yunnan–Tibet route, NIO will further strengthen its nationwide charging and battery swap network, offering more comprehensive support for long-distance EV travel.