A new regulatory document suggests that Nio's (NYSE: NIO) third-generation ES8 SUV (sport utility vehicle) will use the same battery pack as its flagship sedan, the ET9, to achieve longer range.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) today released the latest batch of new energy vehicle (NEV) models eligible for vehicle purchase tax exemptions, with the Nio ES8 included in the list.
The model -- product number NAL6533BSEVE1 -- is equipped with a 102 kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 635 kilometers.
The new ES8 has a curb weight of 2,630 kilograms, with the battery pack weighing 545 kilograms. This translates to an energy density of 187 Wh/kg.
This battery pack is also currently used in the Nio ET9, as they share the same weight and capacity, according to a previous regulatory document. Nio's website shows that the ET9's battery pack has a capacity of 100 kWh.
Nio announced on July 3 that it will adjust its annual flagship event, Nio Day, to be held in the fall rather than at the end of the year, partly to capitalize on the fourth-quarter sales peak season.
This aligns with the delivery schedule of a key product in the fourth quarter, thereby enhancing the cost-effectiveness of the event, Nio said.
The company will launch its luxury three-row flagship SUV -- the third-generation ES8 -- at that time, it said.
The third-generation Nio ES8 was listed in a regulatory filing catalog by the MIIT last month, indicating it has larger dimensions than its predecessor.
The SUV, available in six-seat and seven-seat configurations, measures 5,280 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width, and 1,800 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,250 mm.
Its predecessor measured 5,099 mm in length, 1,989 mm in width, and 1,750 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,070 mm.
The filing page for the new ES8 indicates that the battery is a ternary lithium battery supplied by CATL (SHE: 300750).
Currently, the battery packs used in Nio's battery swap network include 75-kWh and 100-kWh variants. It also has a limited number of 150-kWh semi-solid-state battery packs available for temporary rental by users.
Today's regulatory information suggests that Nio may standardize a 100-kWh long-range battery pack on the new ES8, rather than the previously standard 75-kWh pack for the SUV's base model, to avoid complaints about insufficient range.
If the company proceeds with this change, it could potentially increase the range of the ES8 while maintaining the same starting price, thereby enhancing its appeal.
The current entry-level version of the ES8 is priced at RMB 498,000 ($69,430) and comes with a 75-kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 465 kilometers. When equipped with a 100-kWh battery pack, its range increases to 605 kilometers.
Nio has already made the 85-kWh long-range battery pack standard on its sub-brand Onvo's flagship SUV, the L90, rather than the 60-kWh pack standard on the mid-size SUV L60.
($1 = RMB 7.1730)
