Leading the charge in electric vehicle (EV) advancement, PolyU has joined forces with Shanghai NIO Co., Ltd., a China-based company specialising in the research, development and manufacture of premium smart EVs. This strategic partnership, following the launch of PolyU's Research Centre for Electric Vehicles earlier this year, marks a significant milestone in the University's mission to revolutionise clean transportation technology through pioneering research and innovation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PolyU and Shanghai NIO early this month to advance battery technology research and development. The collaboration aims to accelerate research commercialisation and nurture talent in this field.

This strategic partnership enables researchers from both parties to collaborate on cutting-edge technologies and engineering applications for EVs. It will also support foundational research in high-end equipment manufacturing and related industries, facilitating the translation of scientific research into industrial applications.

Witnessed by Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, and Mr William Li, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of NIO Inc., the MoU was signed by Professor Zheng Zijian, Chair Professor of Soft Materials and Devices, Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and Associate Director of University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication, PolyU, and Mr Zeng Shizhe, Vice President of Shanghai NIO.

A key initiative under this partnership is a RAISe+ Scheme-funded (Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme) project led by Professor Zheng. Titled “Pilot and Mass Production of Next-Generation Composite Current Collectors for Mobility and Energy Storage Batteries (New Materials and New Energy)”, this project focuses on developing an innovative current collector (CC) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This ultrathin, ultralight, flexible, and durable composite film aims to enhance the energy density of both LIBs and future solid-state lithium batteries. The CC is a crucial component that facilitates electron conduction during the charge and discharge processes in LIBs.

This collaboration demonstrates PolyU's commitment to transforming research excellence into practical applications for Mainland China's industrial development, accelerating the advancement of innovative energy technologies and contributing to a sustainable future.