Nio ET7: The electric sedan has begun deliveries in China

A serious electric sedan to rival Tesla in China, the Nio ET7 delivered its first units to customers this week.

Nio is one of the new Chinese automobile brands making a lot of buzz. Its first two SUVs, ES8 and ES6, quickly propelled this startup into the spotlight within just a few months. Its new model is likely to make the manufacturer even more popular: the electric sedan ET7.

Hefei announcement

This vehicle has just handed over the keys to its very first owners at the Hefei headquarters (Anhui Province), 14 months after its January 2021 presentation. But why is the Nio ET7 generating so much interest? Because its design is quite classic, drawing from Tesla Model 3, Toyota Mirai, and even BMW for its rear lights.

Measuring 5.10 meters in length and 2 meters wide, the Nio ET7 cannot expect a very long career. Its size is even more imposing than the Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan. But it is the showcase of the brand.

Its onboard technology aims to emulate Tesla’s model through the NT2.0 system. This platform hosts the Banyan software, which “evolves constantly and grows together with its users”. It performs remote updates regarding both the interface and semi-automatic driving. Specifically, the “Nio Autonomous Driving” service is subscription-based, but not before fall 2022, at a price of 680 yuan/month (€97).

It offers an interior that is as minimalist as possible, with no visible vents, and features two large screens, including a 12.8-inch AMOLED touchscreen. Its finish appears more premium than the American counterpart, leaning more towards the high-end like Mercedes. This is noticeable through the tropical “rattan” wood inserts, sourced from renewable materials, the 23-speaker 1000 W audio system, or the rear seats that massage and cool with side support headrests.

Up to 1000 km range version

More specifically, the electric side also aims to surpass Tesla. To do this, Nio secured an exclusive early partnership with CATL, the number 1 in batteries. The company then signed a second agreement with WeLion New Energy Technology.

The goal of the Chinese sedan is not limited to its 75 and 100 kWh versions, despite their range of up to 705 km (Chinese cycle). The Nio ET7 is planning a 150 kWh variant capable of traveling 1000 km per charge. Additionally, it employs the same two motors, with 180 kW (241 hp) at the front and 300 kW (402 hp) at the rear.

And rarely, the battery is not included in the price, ranging from 63,700 to 74,780 euros (€448,000 to €526,000). It can be leased for 980 to 1,480 yuan/month (€139 to €210), depending on the battery size.

The Nio ET7 has not yet published delivery figures. However, the Chinese brand states that the trial-to-order conversion rate, with tests having started on March 5, was “much higher than expected.” So stay tuned for the little sister Nio ET5, a true rival to the Model 3.

Also read: Xpeng P7: 100,000 units of the electric sedan