A Chinese futuristic car brand called NIO has unveiled a new EV that has the potential to challenge the established luxury car brands like Porsche. NIO has unveiled their new ET9 will feature their revolutionary 900V electric drive system (EDS) called “Thunder”. And what the NIO and the ET9 lacks in heritage they make up for with innovation and top of the shelf technology. The EV market has been dominated by two companies. Depending on where you live in the world, if want a EV your choices up until recently was between a Tesla or BYD. That’s about to change.
What exactly is NIO and where have they come from?
NIO is a Chinese company that was founded in 2014 by a man named William Li, who remains the Chairman and CEO to this day. At first the company was focused on the high end supercar market. Their first concept car, the EP9 set a record as the fastest electric car on the Nürburgring. The performance at the world’s most famous test track was just a sign of things to come.
The Chinese futuristic car brand proceeded to expand its research and development into the SUV market and after taking the stock public on the New York stock exchange in 2018, they released their next generation electric EC6 and ES6 SUVs. At the time they were facing an uphill battle against the popularity of Tesla in America and BYD in China.
They managed to hone their research and deliver some truly astonishing cars and technology. They pioneered battery swapping technology with their ET7 sedan that released to the public in 2021. It would appear they are on the right track as they have now decided to double down on the technology and what their engineers and designers have made is a serious contender in the luxury car market.
How have NIO revolutionized the automotive industry this time?
The Chinese futuristic car brand unveiled their newest design set for release in the first quarter of 2025. The ET9 has been designed to enter a market where money is no object for the average buyer. One thing about people willing to spend around $110,000(the expected asking price for the ET9) on a car is that they expect exceptional levels of quality and innovation.
While their compatriots explore alternative options, NIO have essentially changed the EV game. The ET9 is significantly lighter and smaller than their previous models, improving range and space in the cabin. It uses a world first 925V W-Pin synchronous permanent magnet electric motor that gives the two motors(one in the back and one in the front axle) 300,000 power cycles or 30,000 revs per minute.
Another positive for the ET9 is the fact that the 520 kW motors produce the equivalent of 697 HP, so its no slouch. The swappable batteries is a technology that NIO pioneered and the extended range with reduced charging times will surely entice the buyers looking for something new and different. NIO has spent a significant amount of time and resources on the ET9, whether its a success, we will soon find out.
Can NIO knock Tesla and BYD off of their top spot in the EV market?
Tesla and their enigmatic CEO can not stay out of the headlines. The EV market is open to innovation as the global sales of the EV are down overall, so the world is searching for an alternative to what is available at the moment. The ET9 represents the best chance we have seen to make some waves in the EV sea and send Musk and his benefactors running for calmer waters. One must consider their competition in the new sector, Porsche and their luxury car making friends will not appreciate a new kid on the block either.
