How Will NIOs Electric Vehicles Do In Europe?
A few weeks ago, NIO put out a news release that its ES8 smart electric SUV had received European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (EWVTA), meaning that it can sell the ES8 in Europe. In particular, the ES8 is starting its European exploration in Norway. Thats interesting news, especially to those of us who have been wondering for years when successful Chinese EV producers would start selling their electric vehicles in Europe and/or the United States and Canada. Also, the ES8 is the vehicle NIO is testing the waters with, but the ES6 and EC6 are more mass-market vehicles that Im more curious about. Unfortunately, I dont have answers, and thats why I have this posed as a question in the title. Im curious what you all think. Some things to consider are how NIO will be pushing these vehicles out. It is fond of its own stores and entire lifestyle ecosystems. That has been a central part of its sales process in China. There are a lot of established auto brands in Europe that are already selling a high number of electric vehicles, and then theres Tesla for those who want to venture into exotic markets. The NIO ES8 will start being handed over to customers in Norway in September. The European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, though, permits NIO to sell the vehicle across Europe. Note that much more information on the ES8 can be found here or on NIOs website. We do not yet know the price of the NIO ES8 in Norway, but the ES8 starts at about $65,000 in China (and the smaller NIO EC6 and NIO ES6 start at about $55,000 in China).