Nio EC6 launches September 15 - deliveries start day after

Nio is set to launch the new EC6, a mid-size smart electric coupe SUV. Mark your calendars because on September 15 at 8 pm Beijing time, the curtains will rise, and the newest offering from this Chinese EV titan will be unveiled.

It wasn't a complete surprise for those following the e-trails. Some savvy social media users already had wind of it, and Nio merely confirmed the chatter. This latest EC6 is the company's last holdout, making its transition from the NT 1.0 platform to the newer, shinier NT 2.0.

The company seems quite proud of this transition. In an analyst call following its Q2 earnings report, the management was all chatter about the company completing a full product switch to the NT 2.0 platform this month. And why wouldn’t they? As we’ve seen, Nio's products are designed to cater to the premium EV market. They’re not just about making EVs; they’re crafting a luxury experience.

The original EC6 was launched at the end of 2019 and began its delivery cycle by September 2020. Comparing this to the recent reveal that the new EC6 would start deliveries a day after its launch, it's evident Nio isn’t playing around. The EV maker seems determined to ride the wave of initial customer excitement and has strategically moved to capitalize on it. No dilly-dallying this time around.

Pricing has always been a topic of great debate in the automotive sector. With the previous EC6 models ranging from RMB 396,000 to RMB 496,000 ($54,300 to $68,000), one can’t help but speculate where the new EC6 might land. Given that Nio shaved off RMB 30,000 from all model prices recently and keeping in mind the company’s habit of pricing niche models RMB 10,000 more than regular ones, there's some anticipation in the air.

For those eager beavers already reaching for their wallets, a deposit of $680 (RMB 5,000) will reserve the new EC6 for you. And, as a cherry on top, customers will receive Nio Credits worth RMB 1,000 ($140) upon sealing the deal.

But what's the EC6 really like? Well, we don’t have everything, but here's a taste. The vehicle flaunts a similar LiDAR and camera setup to the rest of the NT 2.0 platform family. It measures 190.9 inches in length, 78.5 inches in width, and has a height of 66.8 inches. Power? The EC6 comes with dual electric motors pushing a combined 360 kW, essentially using the same tech found in the Nio ET5 Touring and Nio ET5.

The vehicle is capable of a top speed of about 124 mph and comes with a choice of battery sizes - 75 kWh, 100 kWh, and possibly 150 kWh. Since this is Nio, all batteries are swappable and customers can upgrade or downgrade battery size as and when required. In terms of design, expect the front and taillight to be reminiscent of other Nio models.

While we wait with bated breath for the official reveal and full specs, it's evident that the EC6 is not just another vehicle in Nio's lineup. It's a statement, a culmination of a transition, and possibly a hint of the company's future direction.

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