Is this the electric car to finally give Tesla a taste of its own medicine?
Called the Nio ET5, the Tesla Model 3 rival goes on sale in China next autumn, has a range of up to 620 miles, and its twin-motor powertrain delivers 483bhp and 516lb ft of torque. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.3 seconds.
The powertrain comprises a 201bhp motor on the front axle and a 282bhp motor at the rear. Three battery sizes are available: a 75kWh Standard Range unit (342 miles of range), the 100kWh Long Range (435 miles) and the range-topping, 150kWh Ultralong Range battery which claims a range of more than 620 miles. The range figures are according to China's test cycle, however, which is more generous than the European test cycle.
Self-driving functionality will be available from launch, although Nio is unspecific about the scenarios in which it will work. It claimed the technology will "gradually achieve a safe and reassuring autonomous driving experience for scenarios such as highways, urban areas, parking and battery swapping". The functions will be available by subscription.
The interior of the car also apes Tesla's minimalist design approach; the dashboard is largely clear but dominated by an infotainment touchscreen. However, Nio says it will offer a world-first option whereby a passenger can wear augmented reality glasses which can project a virtual 201in screen six metres in front of the wearer.
Nio is a well-established electric car brand in China, with four cars currently in production; the EC5, ES6 and ES8 SUVs and the ET7 luxury saloon. As with these models, the ET5 is available with the option of battery swapping. This makes the car around £8000 cheaper, with empty batteries being swapped for fully charged ones at automated stations across China in around three minutes.
It will cost the equivalent of £38,935 in China, which also marginally undercuts the equivalent Model 3. Sales in Europe are expected to begin early in 2023.
READ MORE
e-CARS
e-BIKES
e-MOTORBIKES
e-SCOOTERS