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NIO Announces Aggressive European Expansion for 2026
NIO plans to expand battery swap network to 500+ stations in Europe by end of 2026, targeting 10 new countries for market entry.
By Editorial Team
NIO has announced plans to dramatically expand its European presence in 2026, with a focus on building out battery swap infrastructure and entering new markets.
The Expansion Plan
According to company statements, NIO will:
- Expand battery swap stations from 30+ to 500+ across Europe by end of 2026
- Enter 10 new European countries beyond current markets
- Launch the next-generation Power Swap Station 4.0
- Introduce Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) pricing in all European markets
Current European Presence
NIO currently operates in five European countries:
| Country | Status | Swap Stations |
|---|---|---|
| Norway | Active since 2021 | 10+ |
| Germany | Active since 2022 | 5+ |
| Netherlands | Active since 2022 | 5+ |
| Sweden | Active since 2022 | 5+ |
| Denmark | Active since 2022 | 3+ |
Models Available in Europe
European customers can currently order:
- NIO ET5 - Compact premium sedan (€47,500 with BaaS)
- NIO ET7 - Flagship sedan (€69,900 with BaaS)
- NIO EL8 - 6-seat luxury SUV (€82,900 with BaaS)
- NIO ES6 - Mid-size SUV (pricing TBD)
New Markets Expected
While NIO hasn’t confirmed specific countries, industry analysts expect:
- UK - Right-hand drive market with strong EV demand
- France - Europe’s second-largest EV market
- Italy - Growing premium EV segment
- Spain - Increasing EV adoption rates
- Austria, Switzerland - Affluent markets near existing operations
European Market Impact
NIO’s aggressive European expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to the European market:
- Rapid infrastructure buildout benefits European customers
- Battery swap network provides unique competitive advantage
- NIO’s premium positioning aligns with European luxury EV demand
Timeline
| Milestone | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| 100 European swap stations | Q1 2026 |
| New market entries begin | Q2 2026 |
| 500 stations milestone | Q4 2026 |
| Full 10-country coverage | 2027 |
We’ll continue to monitor NIO’s European progress and any signals about potential North American expansion.