The biggest Tesla rival, Nio introduced two EVs at its Annual Day event in China – one is a redesigned model, while the other is brand new.
Welcome the updated ES8 mid-size SUV and an all-new EC7 mid-size SUV with a swoopy roofline.
Nio unveiled its first EV, named ES8, in 2017, along with a limited-edition EP9 hypercar. Later, it introduced ES6, EC6, and ES7 utility vehicles along with ET5 and ET7 sedans. Currently, the Chinese EV maker has seven vehicles in its lineup.
Coming to the new models, both of them employ the brand’s new EV platform, called NT2.0. The flagship models come with air suspension and a twin-motor setup creating 644 horsepower. Nio says it will enable the EC7 to hit 100 km/h from a standstill position in just 3.8 seconds, and 4.1 seconds for the ES8. Nio offers two battery choices – a 75-kWh and a 100-kWh.
Both cars come with self-driving hardware, such as lidar and Orin X chips. However, the software to manage the full autonomous hardware will be available over the air once the tech is fully ready. Nio may provide the facilities in a monthly subscription.
The EC7 can accommodate five passengers in two rows, while the ES8 can carry six in three rows. The seats have zero gravity posture with auto lift cushions to eliminate fatigue during extended journeys. The new EC7 has a 21 square feet long glass roof with sound and heat protection.
The EC7 is available in China for around $60,000 with a battery subscription. Those who want to pay for the battery as well have to dish out around $70,000 for a 75-kWh battery. On the other hand, the ES8 starts at $65,800 with a battery subscription and $75,850 by paying fully for the 75-kWh battery.
Nio is one of the biggest EV makers in terms of the electric vehicle lineup. The automaker has also initiated exporting its cars to a few European nations. This month the company rolls out its 300,000th vehicle from the assembly line and intends to sell its EVs in over 25 territories around the world. However, we do not know if the Gulf will be included in those nations.
Source and Images: MotorAuthority