(Yicai Global) Nov. 25 -- Chinese electric car startup Nio is linking up with oil major Royal Dutch Shell to develop a chain of co-branded battery swap stations in China to give Nio drivers a better charging experience.

Nio and Shell plan to build 100 battery swap stations across China by 2025, Shanghai-based Nio said today. As part of the agreement, the two parties will also pilot similar stations in Europe and Nio drivers will also be able to use the Hague-based Shell’s charging network in Europe.

“The cooperation demonstrates Shell’s determination to accelerate the energy transition and commitment to contribute to sustainable development globally,” said Li Bin, founder, chairman and CEO of Nio. As the world’s biggest gasoline retailer, Shell is committed to becoming a world leader in electric vehicle charging services.

"Shell and Nio will be working to improve every aspect of the EV experience,” said István Kapitány, global executive vice president of Shell Mobility. "This means we’ll offer Shell Recharge high-speed charging at Nio outlets and make battery swaps available at Shell locations while also offering Nio customers our best home and business charging solutions."

The two parties will also explore more collaboration opportunities in battery asset management, membership systems, home charging services, advanced battery charging and fleet management, Nio said.

Editor: Kim Taylor