Does Nio's electric car have a 1,000 km range?

This is at least what the young Chinese startup promises, which has just launched its two flagship models named Nio EC7 and Nio ES8.

We mentioned it in the October 2022 issue of the Mobiwisy print magazine. The Chinese automotive brand Nio Inc. was founded in 2014 and specializes in very high-end electric models, with a strong technological focus. Starting from scratch, the manufacturer now has dealerships in Shanghai, Hefei, Beijing, Nanjing, San José, Munich, Oxford, Oslo… And very soon perhaps in Paris.

In 2015, the NIO Formula E team won the first FIA Formula E Drivers’ Championship. Then, from 2016, the brand launched its first model called EP9. Research and development are at the heart of the company’s strategy, which has just unveiled its ultra-fast 500 kW charging station and its third-generation Power Swap station (read our article on Mobiwisy).

Nio EC7

This is the flagship model presented by the Chinese brand this week. The Nio EC7 is an impressive 4.97-meter-long crossover, about the same size as a van like the Volkswagen Multivan, which is not exactly very compact! For those tired of SUVs, this might come as a disappointment. The styling of the EC7 is quite mainstream, with a mix of Renault Arkana and BMW X4. However, some comparisons have been less flattering! In any case, it has a very aerodynamic design, with a CX coefficient of 0.23, which is simply excellent. Nio specifies that this value was achieved through extensive wind tunnel testing and the addition of a retractable rear spoiler similar to those on a Porsche 911… Or a Cayenne Coupé!

Under the hood, the vehicle houses no less than two electric motors, rated at 330 kW and 180 kW respectively. That’s a total of 653 hp combined and an enormous torque (850 Nm). No wonder its performance figures are so impressive, with only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h.

Few details have been released regarding the weight of this electric beast, but its aluminum structure should limit weight gain, while Brembo six-piston brake calipers will ensure optimal deceleration.

I’ll save the best for last, which concerns the range. Available with two batteries of 75 and 100 kWh, the Nio EC7 could reach up to 940 km on a single charge. However, this is based on the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle. When converted to our official WLTP cycle, the distance is around 700 km, which is still excellent. Capable of charging at an incredible rate of 500 kW, it can regain 70% of its charge in just 20 minutes… provided you find a compatible station!

Nio EC7

Nio ES8

For large families, Nio also offers the massive SUV ES8. It features three rows of seats. The front seats are leather, heated, ventilated, and include massage functions. The second row offers a Lounge function with leg rest extension, and finally, two additional seats at the rear provide ample space for passengers.

The drivetrain is similar to that of the Nio EC7, as well as the battery packs: 75 and 100 kWh. The range should be slightly lower, approximately 900 km on the Chinese CLTC cycle and about 675 km on WLTP standards.