NIO (NextEV) Unveils ES8 — Electric SUV Slated For Production Later This Year

The electric vehicle company NIO (a brand of NextEV) has unveiled a new all-electric SUV named the “ES8” that will enter serial production sometime later this year.

In addition to the new vehicle unveiling, the company also announced that it would begin taking pre-orders for the previously revealed NIO EP9 — which has been priced at $1.48 million a piece … (there are only 10 to be made available as part of this second production batch).

With regard to the new ES8 electric SUV, it’s a full-size 7-seater — with a wheelbase of 118 inches, and a body length of 196 inches. The body and chassis are entirely aluminum. The model apparently features all-wheel-drive as the standard and possesses active air suspension.

The press release provides more: “The ES8 features the ‘design identity’ of every NIO vehicle: the X-bar and signature ‘Spark Beat’ tail lights. The vehicle’s swappable battery will provide a charging experience that surpasses refuelling at gas stations. The manufacturing and supply chain that will produce the ES8 is already in place.”

“The NIO ES8, has been tested for thousands miles. The vehicle has been tested in Yakeshi in Inner Mongolia, where temperatures can reach -22° Fahrenheit as well as Melbourne and Madura, Australia where temperatures can reach over 104° Fahrenheit.”

The Founder and Chairman of NIO, William Li, commented: “Today we unveiled our new production vehicle, the NIO ES8 to the China market. It is another statement of our vision and technical and manufacturing capabilities. It is a best-in-class product that showcases what is possible with electric vehicles. I am proud of our relentless focus on vision and action. From track to road, NIO continues to achieve major milestones every year.”

The official launch of the ES8 is expected to take place later this year, with deliveries slated to begin sometime in 2018. No word on pricing.