NIO, a global automobile manufacturer headquartered in Shanghai, is a pioneer and a leading company in the premium smart electric vehicle market. NIO differentiates itself through its continuous technological breakthroughs and innovations, such as its industry-leading, battery swapping technologies.

HBK’s Advanced Material Characterisation and Testing facility (AMCT), near Sheffield, UK, has helped accelerate NIO’s capabilities for fatigue simulation through a unique combination of custom testing solutions to provide high quality material fatigue data and
the power of nCode software.

Challenge
Performing accurate virtual failure prediction in innovative BIW (Body-in-White) structures requires new material fatigue properties. Comparison of design proposals and engagement of key suppliers earlier in the process to accelerate development and
minimise waste.

Solution
NIO selected HBK’s AMCT facility to carry out material characterisation testing due to its testing expertise and the ability to deliver a materials database that could be used directly and easily in nCode software.

Result
A standardised materials database for fatigue and common processes enabling higher quality results from which engineering design decisions can be made. This enables NIO to develop efficient and robust structures for durability performance, reducing weight and energy consumption to maximise range.