Nio EC6 officially launches with a heftier price tag than ES6

Electric vehicle enthusiasts - make room for Nio’s latest release: the EC6. Stepping up from the previous generation's NT 1.0 platform, Nio has revamped and refreshed the EC6 using the new NT 2.0 platform.

The EC6’s launch has everyone's attention not just for its design, but also for its price tag. The model starts at a cool RMB 358,000 ($49,200), which is RMB 20,000 ($2,750) higher than its sibling, the ES6. However, for those interested in a Nio-exclusive battery rental option, it's available for a slightly less startling figure of RMB 288,000 ($39,600).

The much-hyped launch event took an unconventional twist. While the company showcased the car in a distinct manner, Nio’s CEO William Li’s speech ended up playing second fiddle. Why, you ask? Well, it seems the EC6 is crafted for a niche audience, diverging from the ES6's broader target, which Nio cannot afford to flop.

Spanning a length of 190.9 inches, and a width of 78.5 inches, the vehicle stands at a height of 66.8 inches, boasting a wheelbase of 114.8 inches. Echoing the aesthetics of other NT 2.0-based models, the EC6 sports familiar taillights and headlights and the same roof-mounted LiDAR and camera setup. Not just a pretty face, the EC6 houses dual electric motors produced in Hefei, Anhui province, offering a maximum power of 150 kW (front) and 210 kW (rear). These impressive numbers enable the EC6 to hit top speeds of 124 mph. For reference, it's on par with the powertrain specs of the ES6, ET5, and ET5 Touring.

If you're wondering about the battery options, Nio offers two: a 75-kWh standard range battery or the 100-kWh long-range pack. Opting for the BaaS (battery as a service) model, customers will face a lighter upfront cost of $39,600 and monthly rental fees of $135 for the 75-kWh and $231 for the 100-kWh battery packs. The EC6 comes with a slew of comfort features, including the enticing "Queen's seat", which was a pricey add-on for the ES6.

Going back in time, the original EC6, built on the NT 1.0 platform, was launched in late December 2019 with the first set of keys handed over to customers in September 2020. This time around, Nio’s taken up the pace. Delivery of the new EC6? It’s happening today. No waiting games here.

In a recent analyst call post their second-quarter earnings announcement, Nio's management expressed optimism about their refreshed lineup. They're counting on their eight diverse products to cater to the refined tastes of the premium market segment, aiming for a solid boost in overall deliveries. For context, the ES6 SUV, the company's star player and more in line with Chinese customers' preferences, reported deliveries of 11,118 units in July and 8,601 units in August.

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