NIO has officially announced the full completion of its Silk Road battery swap route on September 26th. This significant milestone stretches an impressive 3,605 kilometers from Xi’an, Shaanxi province, to Horgos in Xinjiang. Along this extensive route, NIO has strategically deployed 33 battery swap stations.
Seamless EV Travel Across China
With the inauguration of the Silk Road route, NIO owners can now embark on a journey that allows for battery swaps at any station, enabling them to reach all provincial-level administrative regions in mainland China entirely on electric power. This expansion dramatically enhances the convenience and feasibility of long-distance electric vehicle travel across the country.
The Silk Road Route Unveiled
The newly completed route traverses a path that includes key locations such as Xi’an, Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Guazhou, Hami, Turpan, Urumqi, Dushanzi, Bole, and finally Horgos. The journey covers 3,605 kilometers and is supported by 33 battery swap stations. NIO suggests a travel time of 10 to 14 days for those wishing to experience the route, which winds through the Hexi Corridor, showcasing sights like the Zhangye Danxia landforms and Jiayuguan Pass. Upon entering Xinjiang, the route continues through Hami, Turpan, and Urumqi, passing by scenic Lake Sayram before concluding at Horgos.
Exploring Xinjiang’s Scenic Routes with NIO
Beyond the main Silk Road route, NIO is also highlighting several recommended “Xinjiang Charging and Scenery Lines,” designed to take advantage of the growing charging infrastructure in the region:
The Duku Highway Line
This route, recommended for 5-7 days of travel, spans 807 kilometers and features 20 charging and battery swap stations. Starting from Dushanzi Grand Canyon, it journeys south through Narati and Bayanbulak, traversing diverse landscapes from canyons to grasslands and mountains. The route includes stops in Urumqi, Changji, Shihezi, Kuytun, Dushanzi, Karamay, Yili, Bayingol, and Kuqa.
The Kanas Lake Line
For a 5-7 day trip covering 984 kilometers with 19 charging and battery swap stations, this route leads north from Urumqi to Fuhai and Burqin, culminating in Kanas. It offers opportunities for lakeside walks and viewing the picturesque Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay amidst autumn foliage.
The Yili River Valley Line
This 5-7 day journey covers 1,076 kilometers and utilizes 23 charging and battery swap stations. Traveling along the river valley, it provides experiences in Chaxi’s forest meadows, the expansive ridges of Kalajun, and the unique Bagua City in Tekes. Key locations include Urumqi, Changji, Shihezi, Kuytun, Dushanzi, Xinyuan, Gongliu, Tekes, Zhaosu, and Yining.
The Xinjiang West Sea Loop
Recommended for 9-12 days, this extensive 1,867-kilometer loop involves 26 charging and battery swap stations. It ventures west from Urumqi, passing through the World Devil City, the golden poplars of Luntai, and the vast Bosten Lake, before concluding in Turpan with its renowned Grape Valley. The route connects Urumqi, Changji, Shihezi, Kuytun, Karamay, Xinyuan, Kuqa, Luntai, Korla, Turpan.
The Lake Sayram Line
A shorter, 3-4 day excursion of 679 kilometers with 18 charging and battery swap stations. This route heads west from Urumqi to Lake Sayram, offering a scenic drive along the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and autumnal colors. The itinerary includes Urumqi, Changji, Shihezi, Kuytun, Wusu, Jinghe, and Lake Sayram.
These new routes underscore NIO’s commitment to expanding its battery swap network and supporting sustainable, long-distance travel for electric vehicle owners in China, particularly in the vast and scenic landscapes of Xinjiang.
