- The LiDAR-equipped Onvo L90 is scheduled for launch in the second quarter and will carry a higher price tag.
- Neither of Onvo's currently available models includes LiDAR, unlike the Nio main brand which offers the sensor as standard.
Onvo, a sub-brand of Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO, HKG: 9866), is expected to introduce LiDAR on the updated version of its L90 large SUV (sport utility vehicle), according to a regulatory filing.
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology today published updated specifications for the Onvo L90, revealing the model will incorporate a LiDAR unit positioned at the center of the roof -- similar to Nio brand's vehicles.
Neither of Onvo's currently available models -- the L60 midsize SUV and L90 -- utilize LiDAR. The Nio main brand models come standard with this sensor.
Onvo president Shen Fei later said on the Nio App that the LiDAR-equipped Onvo L90 is slated for a second-quarter launch with a higher price point.
The current L90 utilizing pure vision smart driving technology will remain available and continue receiving OTA system updates, Shen said.
The Onvo L90 starts at RMB 265,800 ($36,060) including the battery pack. Under the BaaS (Battery as a Service) plan, its starting price is RMB 179,800, with a monthly battery rental fee of RMB 899.
In China, LiDAR was initially reserved for premium vehicles due to cost considerations. However, as costs decrease, an increasing number of affordable models are now incorporating the sensor.
Major LiDAR manufacturer Hesai Group (NASDAQ: HSAI) saw peak monthly deliveries exceed 200,000 units in 2025, while RoboSense's peak monthly shipments surpassed 180,000 units.
Nio's sole current LiDAR supplier is Seyond, which was listed in Hong Kong on December 10.
Beyond LiDAR, updated information on the L90 indicates it will offer a two-tone body option, somewhat similar to Nio's approach with the ET9 flagship sedan under its main brand.
The SUV's rear badge reads either L90 or L80, suggesting the L80 may also feature LiDAR and offer a two-tone body option.
A June 2025 filing indicates the L80 is the five-seat variant of the L90. The L90 offers six-seat and seven-seat configurations.
Onvo originally planned to launch the L80 in 2025 but delayed the rollout due to production constraints caused by strong demand for the L90 and Nio ES8.
($1 = RMB 6.9843)
