There are several young and aspiring companies in China that build premium EVs. Certain early concepts have emerged at motor shows and expos but never made it into series. The production launch of the Nio ES8 SUV series hopefully marks the end of the streak of bad luck for local automotive start-ups.
The concept version of the vehicle debuted a year ago. Its final design was revealed this winter. It was then that we learned that the car has a five-meter-long aluminum body made of materials provided by Novelis, a metallurgical enterprise that has been doing business with Audi and Land Rover for a while now.
The Nio ES8 will feature air suspension and a spacious interior for up to seven passengers. There is a giant iPad-like touchscreen display, an expansive all-digital instrument panel and an AI-powered Pokemon assistant called NOMI. The latter sits on the dashboard, recognizes voice commands and keeps the passengers entertained during the ride. A semi-autopilot mode is available as an option.
The powertrain of the vehicle consists of two electric engines with 650+ hp (485+ kW) total output. Its torque equals 840 Nm, or 620 lb·ft. The car accelerates 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.4 seconds at most and generally offers around 350 km (215 mi) of driving range. As long as you manage to stay under 60 km/h (37 mph) at all times, you will be able to cover 500 km (310 mi).
The electric vehicle series is being manufactured in the jointly owned JAC works in Hefei, China. Five cars roll off the lines every hour; a total of 550 will be produced until the end of June. 1,000 more will be issued in July, and 10,000 Nio ES8 vehicles will leave the premises in September.
Many people have already pre-ordered the SUV starting this winter. They may now track the manufacturing progress using a dedicated mobile app.
The Nio ES8 costs U.S. $70,000 and above in China, whereas its main competitor – he Tesla Model X – begins at $120,000.
The company will be revealing another EV, the Nio ES6, before the end of the year.
Photo: nio.io