Everything depreciates, and batteries don't stay new just because they're not used. So I don't think it's necessary to worry too much about depreciation, especially since it can at least make money.

Moreover, if this model really works, then Nio will have an advantage that other automakers wouldn't even dare to think of—Nio's batteries can 'breed' more batteries without Nio to invest extra money. Even if a battery only lasts five years, it can still make 50,000 yuan within those five years, which is roughly the cost of the battery itself. Nio also claims its batteries have a 15-year lifespan, and that's just as a power battery. If used as an energy storage battery, it can last even longer. If a single battery can earn enough money in its lifecycle to produce three or four more batteries, that's just insane.