Nio on Tuesday announced plans to build 1,000 new battery swap stations across China this year. That would be a significant jump from its previous estimate of 400 stations and would quickly increase the number of Nio-operated swap stations by 76%. The move is expected to ensure Nio owners have access to charging stations as the electric vehicle maker is set to launch five new models this year, aside from the eight models currently on sale. William Li, chief executive of Nio, said the company will expand the reach of its charging stations to lower-tier Chinese cities and even small counties where it has achieved a certain user base. [Caixin, in Chinese]