NIO’s latest filing hints at EVs powered by solid-state batteries coming as early as this summer
According to a recent filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, NIO intends to sell three existing EV models with expanded battery capabilities provided by solid-state battery developer WeLion. The filing matches with previous statements from NIO’s founder that consumers could see solid-state powered EVs this summer.
Although many promised EV technologies have been delivered and continue to evolve, solid-state batteries remain an aspiration by many. Although they are closer than ever, no one has yet to reach scaled production of solid-state cells… at least not to the magnitude or, more importantly, at cost parity with traditional lithium-ion batteries used by most automakers.
We at Electrek have covered the progress of several solid-state battery developers that are closer than ever to delivering commercial-grade EV-specific cells. This includes Quantumscape in the US and WeLion in China. Overseas last November, the latter company rolled its first solid-state cells off its assembly line before first deliveries to EV manufacturer NIO.
NIO’s relationship with WeLion dates back years, even before the automaker unveiled its ET7 sedan in early 2021 during a presentation that also included plans for a 150-kWh solid-state pack. We’ve seen deliveries of the NIO ET7 commence in both China and Europe, but no models with the energy-dense packs just yet.
We haven’t forgotten, and neither has NIO, as its latest filing with the Chinese government says those new battery packs may be closer to reaching the market than ever. Here’s the latest.
NIO filing hints at solid-state battery upgrades from WeLion
On May 9, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released its latest list of vehicle models slotted to be sold in the country, which also included hundreds of additional filings for specification changes on existing vehicles for public feedback – a key regulatory process in China.
As CnEVPost points out, NIO filed for an expansion of the specification information pertaining to three existing models – more specifically, the battery information section. The new filing does not mention solid-state batteries specifically but states that NIO models are receiving battery upgrades using cells from Huzhou WeLion Technology Co Ltd. – a wholly-owned subsidiary of NIO’s current semi-solid-state battery supplier, Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology.
The filing states that two NIO SUVs and one sedan will receive the battery upgrades. Recognizable vehicle names were not used. Instead, the model numbers were coded as HFC6502ECSEV9-W, HFC6502ECSEV5-W, and HFC7002CSEV1-W.
The aforementioned ET7 may not necessarily be the NIO EV to see the new energy-dense pack, but the sedan remains attached to the technology as the automaker announced plans for a 150-kWh solid-state pack during the same presentation in early 2021.
NIO hasn’t mentioned much progress since then, at least not until this past February, when the company’s founder and president, Qin Lihong, publicly stated that NIO owners will be able to start experiencing the 150-kWh pack this summer. One huge asterisk is that the 150-kWh pack could cost as much as an entire ET5 sedan, meaning cost parity with current battery chemistry remains lightyears away.
Now that the official filings have been made, it appears that at least three NIO models powered by solid-state cells are imminent and could, in fact, reach the market this summer. We won’t know for sure until we hear it directly from NIO, but this is an exciting prospect nonetheless.
Electrek’s take
Solid-state technology remains the carrot perpetually dangled in front of the EV industry and enthusiasts alike, even as it progresses. I would not be surprised at all if China is the first market to truly deliver commercially scaled solid-state cells in passenger EVs, but I’m curious about what sort of performance they will deliver in the beginning.
A 150-kWh battery pack is quite large, but with more energy-dense cells, I’d imagine NIO can deliver a similar weight (or likely less) for even more efficient power. That means lighter, less volatile EVs that will likely be able to travel further and charge faster. Or perhaps that’s optimistic reverie.
We really won’t know the scope of this battery transition and how significant it is (or isn’t) until NIO shows its cards, but it feels like it could happen in the next few months. We do know that it won’t be cheap, so I’d expect only a limited number of passenger vehicles to actually hit the roads in China.
I’m certainly getting ahead of myself, but it’s an interesting thought that if NIO does, in fact, deliver solid-state EVs in China, we could see them shipped to Europe thereafter, meaning both Chinese and EU markets could see solid-state-powered EVs driving around before the US.
Let’s wait and see what sort of heat WeLion and NIO are actually packing. I’ll keep an eye on this.
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The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 got a major glow up with extra driving range, a sleek interior and exterior facelift, and even Tesla Supercharger access with an added NACS port. With leases starting at just $179 per month, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 might be your best bet to get into an EV right now.
How much does the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 cost to lease?
Hyundai upgraded its best-selling electric SUV in every way possible for the 2025 model year. The 2025 IONIQ 5 can drive up to 318 miles on a single charge, recharge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, and is available starting at just $42,500.
After cutting lease prices last month, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 was available to lease for as low as $179 per month.
The offer was set to end on July 7, but Hyundai extended it through its new “Hyundai Getaway Sales Event.” The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE Standard Range model is still available for lease, starting at just $179 per month.
That’s for the base version, which has a range of up to 245 miles. The offer is for a 24-month lease with $3,999 due at signing.
The long-range SE RWD variant, with a driving range of up to 318 miles, can be leased for as little as $199 per month. Upgrading to the AWD model will cost $249 per month. You can even snag the off-road XRT variant for $299 a month right now.
Hyundai upgraded the IONIQ 5 with a sleek facelift, adding to its already bold design. Inside, the 2025 IONIQ 5 features a redesigned center console, steering wheel, and HVAC control system based on driver feedback.
It also features a more powerful, next-gen infotainment system. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver display and infotainment screens with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice-recognition, and more.
If you’re looking for something a little bigger, Hyundai’s three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9 (Check out our review), is listed for lease starting at just $419 per month.
| 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim | EV Powertrain | Driving Range (miles) | Starting Price* | Monthly lease price July 2025 |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | 168-horsepower rear motor | 245 | $42,500 | $179 |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $46,550 | $199 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $49,500 | $209 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $54,200 | $309 |
| IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 290 | $50,050 | $249 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 290 | $53,000 | $259 |
| IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor AWD | 320 horsepower dual motor | 259 | $55,400 | $359 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 269 | $58,100 | $299 |
To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is throwing in a free ChargePoint Level 2 home charger with the purchase or lease of a new 2025 IONIQ 5 or 2026 IONIQ 9.
Both the 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 are built at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. The current lease offers include the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of September. Hyundai’s new deals are available through September 2, 2025.
Ready to test one out for yourself? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 near you.
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Environment
Tesla Semi efficiency improves in real-world trucking test covering 4,494 miles over 3 weeks
The Tesla Semi, Tesla’s electric Class 8 semi-truck, saw its efficiency improve in a new real-world trucking test covering 4,494 miles over three weeks.
The Tesla Semi underwent significant changes over the years of delays.
Tesla officially unveiled the “production version” in 2022, but the vehicle never entered volume production. It is expected to finally happen at the end of the year at a new factory in Nevada.
When unveiling the “production version”, which turned out not to be the final production version, Elon Musk said that the Tesla Semi has an efficiency of 1.7 kWh per mile.
In September 2024, Tesla reported improvements in its own fleet after covering 250,000 miles. It claimed to be achieving 1.6 kWh per mile.
Last year, two Tesla Semi customers got closer to what Musk claimed in 2022. DHL got 1.72 kWh per mile in their own test, and Saia got 1.73 kWh per mile.
Now, Tesla Semi appears to have improved quite a bit in a new real-world test by logistics company ArcBest.
The company claims to have put Tesla Semi through regular operations, varying from lane dispatch to regional runs over three weeks:
Over a three-week period, ABF operated a Tesla Semi across typical dispatch lanes, including over-the-road routes between service centers in Reno, Nevada and Sacramento, California. The pilot also included regional runs in the Bay Area and rail shuttle operations.
ArcBest claims that Tesla Semi averaged 1.55 kWh per mile during the three weeks:
The electric Semi logged 4,494 miles, averaging 321 miles per day with an overall energy efficiency of 1.55 kWh per mile.
Efficiency in the trucking business varies considerably based on several factors, including the load, but it is nonetheless an impressive performance.
Dennis Anderson, ArcBest chief innovation officer, commented on the test program:
“Freight transportation is a vital part of the global economy, and we know it also plays a significant role in overall greenhouse gas emissions. While the path to decarbonization presents complex challenges — such as infrastructure needs and alternative fuel development — it also opens the door to innovation. Vehicles like the Tesla Semi highlight the progress being made and expand the boundaries of what’s possible as we work toward a more sustainable future for freight.”
Tesla says that the truck should enter volume production toward the end of the year and customer deliveries are expected to start next year.
While the efficiency of the electric truck has improved, we previously reported that its price has increased significantly.
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Range Rover now has its own logo for the first time. The luxury automaker is unveiling a sleek new look as it gears up to launch its first electric SUV later this year.
Range Rover introduces its first logo
Since it launched its first vehicle in 1970, the Range Rover badge has become an iconic status symbol. You can’t miss the classic Range Rover look.
With its first EV due out later this year, the luxury automaker is preparing for a new era. JLR revealed the new Range Rover logo, a first for the luxury automaker, during an investor presentation.
The new logo is a stark contrast to the “Range Rover” badge we are accustomed to seeing, featuring a minimalist design similar to the Rolls-Royce emblem.
JLR told Autocar that the new logo won’t replace the signature Range Rover badge at the front or rear. Instead, it will be used to complement it.
“The Range Rover Motif has been developed as a smaller symbol for where our familiar Range Rover device mark does not fit, such as on a label or as part of a repeating pattern, and within event spaces where an emblem is more appropriate,” the company said.
With Range Rover’s first electric SUV set to hit showrooms later this year, will we see it featured on the new EV? JLR confirmed in May that the Range Rover Electric now has over 61,000 clients on the waitlist.
The company claims the new EV is undergoing “the most intensive testing any Range Rover vehicle has ever endured” ahead of its big debut later this year.
According to Thomas Müller, Range Rover’s executive director of product engineering, the electric SUV is already outperforming some of its top gas-powered models.
JLR has already begun testing new EV production lines at its Solihull, UK, plant in preparation for the new Range Rover model. Next year, the luxury brand is expected to introduce the smaller Sport and Velar EV models.
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