The Nio ET7 Electric Car Will Be A Serious Challenger To The Tesla Model S

Nio ET7 is claimed to be able to compete with the Tesla Model 7. (photo; nio)

JAKARTA – The electric car made by Nio, the ET7, which will be launched has been specially made to challenge its rival, the Tesla Model S. Even the electric car maker, Nio, claims to have some answers to challenge the Tesla Model 3.

Electrek says Nio has introduced the ET5, a more affordable "mid-size" model. This electric sedan retails for around US$51,450 (Rp. 740 million), or well below the approximately US$70,000 (Rp. 1.007 billion) offered for the Nio ET7. However, the Nio ET5 offers almost as great facilities.

Nio claims the ET5's 75kWh base battery offers a range of over 341 miles (549 km) using a test cycle in China. Whereas with the high-end 150kWh “Ultralong Range” battery pack it should be good to go over 620 miles (997 km).

Buyers will probably pay significantly more for the privilege and may not see that range in real life, but the numbers can still be tempting to stay away from the high-end Tesla Model 3 if buyers see far-reaching car cruising as their priority. .

Buyers can also expect the usual tech stack. The ET5 will have built-in support for autonomous driving features as approved, and the driver gets a "digital cockpit" thanks to augmented reality glasses developed by Nreal that can project a virtual screen equivalent to 201 inches at a viewing distance of 20 feet.

As reported by Engadget, Nio has collaborated with Nolo to make VR glasses as well, although they are claimed to be safe, drivers are advised to wear them while driving on the highway.

Shipments of the ET5 are expected to begin September 2022. That's a long way off, but Nio seems to be on track with its EV plans as it is expected to ship the ET7 on time starting March 28.

The launch also fits Nio's tentative move outside of China. The brand will only expand to Norway in 2021, but aims to start sales in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden by 2022.

Users will see the badge in 25 countries and territories by 2025. While the Nio still won't count as an automotive heavyweight at that stage. But they could easily put pressure on other EV makers in the next few years.