Nio’s new ET5 EV competes with the Model 3 with an alleged range of 620 miles

Nio’s soon-to-be ET7 is practically tailored to challenge Tesla’s Model S, and now the company appears to have a (partial) response to the Model 3. Electrek says Nio has introduced the ET5, a more affordable “medium” electric sedan. It starts at 328,000 RMB (about $ 51,450), or well below the $ 70,000 to ET7, but offers the equivalent of grandiose range. Nine claims that the base battery of 75 kWh offers over 341 miles range using China’s test cycle, while the highest 150 kWh “Ultralong Range” package is supposedly good for more than 620 miles. You’ll probably pay significantly more for the privilege and may not see that range in real life, but the numbers may still tempt you away from advanced Model 3s whose long-distance driving is crucial.

You can expect the usual piles of technology. ET5 will have built-in support for autonomous driving functions as they are approved, and drivers will get a “digital cockpit”[ads1]; thanks to Nreal-developed augmented reality glasses that can project a virtual screen equivalent to 201 inches at a 20-foot viewing distance. Nio has teamed up with Nolo to make VR glasses as well, although it’s safe to say you don ‘t want to wear them while driving.

Deliveries are expected to start in September 2022. It is some distance away, but Nio seems to be on schedule with their EV plans as they expect to deliver ET7 on time (if only just now) from 28 March.

This launch is also in line with Nio’s preliminary steps outside China. The brand first expanded to Norway in 2021, but it aimed to start sales in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden in 2022. You should see the brand in 25 countries and regions by 2025. Although Nio will still not count as heavyweights in the car industry at that stage, it can easily put pressure on other electric car manufacturers within a few years.