nio

A brief history about nio: NIO Automobile was founded in November 2014 by William Li (Li Bin), a Chinese entrepreneur already known as the chairman of Bitauto and NextEV. His involvement in Formula E, the FIA’s all-electric racing series, gave him firsthand experience with high-performance electric technology and convinced him that electric mobility could be the future of transportation. Backed by investments from major Chinese and American firms such as Sequoia, Lenovo, and TPG, Li set out to build a new kind of automotive brand that would combine advanced technology with a lifestyle-driven ownership experience.

Just 18 months after its founding, NIO unveiled its first vehicle, the EP9—a fully electric supercar built to showcase the company’s engineering capabilities. Powered by four individual motors producing a combined output of 1,360 horsepower, the EP9 could lap the Nürburgring in under seven minutes, an extraordinary achievement for an electric vehicle at the time. Its cutting-edge active suspension and aerodynamic systems demonstrated the technical expertise that would later define NIO’s mainstream products.

Following the EP9, NIO shifted its focus toward the premium electric SUV market, a segment with little competition at the time. In 2017, it introduced the ES8, a seven-seat luxury SUV with an aluminum body, followed by the smaller five-seat ES6 in 2019. Both models were designed to rival established luxury automakers while emphasizing the quiet power and digital sophistication of electric mobility.

One of NIO’s most innovative concepts was its battery-swapping technology, known as Power Swap. Instead of waiting to recharge, owners could exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones in minutes. This system addressed one of the biggest concerns about electric cars—long charging times—by providing a fast and convenient alternative. Over time, NIO built an expanding network of automated swap stations across China and began exploring international expansion.

NIO’s approach to customer experience also set it apart from traditional automakers. Through its NIO Houses—hybrid spaces that function as showrooms, cafes, and private lounges—the company fostered a sense of community among owners. A companion mobile app allowed users to connect, share experiences, and access services, further strengthening the brand’s identity as more than just a car manufacturer.

Beyond vehicles, NIO embraced artificial intelligence and digital integration. The company introduced NOMI, an interactive AI assistant mounted on the dashboard, capable of conversing with occupants, responding to commands, and even displaying expressions on its OLED screen. Connected to NIO’s cloud network, NOMI evolved continuously through over-the-air updates, enhancing the in-car experience with new features and personalization.

NIO also became a key player in the development of autonomous driving. The company obtained licenses from the California government to test its systems on public roads and expanded those trials across China. Although the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress, NIO continued refining its autonomous platform, positioning itself as a major competitor to Tesla and other global innovators in the space.

William Li’s vision has consistently been compared to that of Elon Musk, but NIO’s mission has always been distinct. Rather than focusing on pure performance, NIO blends luxury, community, and innovation to create a complete lifestyle ecosystem around its vehicles. Supported by strong investors, bold technology, and a customer-first philosophy, NIO has emerged as one of the most influential forces shaping the future of electric mobility.

Current Models

Browse through this nio’s current models below and explore their specifications