Building on the great innovation laboratory that Formula E represents, Chinese manufacturer NIO is adjusting its technological capacity for the Gen3 era and will also present urban models.
The company confirmed its commitment to increase its R&D capacity in Europe. In July, NIO opened an ‘Innovation Center’ in Berlin, with a plant in Hungary and growing groups of engineers based at its R&D and design facilities in Oxford and Munich.
NIO 333 Racing and team principal Alex Hui were on hand to showcase their new ER9, having tested the new Gen3 race car recently in Italy and the UK at the hands of new signing Sergio Sette Camara.
The team laid the groundwork for its next big step by moving into a new factory at the start of Season 8, in preparation for the future of Formula E from the start of campaign 9.
The state-of-the-art facility at Silverstone demonstrates the team’s intent and goes hand-in-hand with the manufacturer’s drive in several key European markets.
Related content:Dan Ticktum Completes the NIO 333 Driver Grid
New Vehicles on the Old Continent
NIO announced details of its expansion into Europe with Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden set to see three new models come to market.
The company reported on its entry into Norway and showcased three new models based on its NIO NT2 platform; the ET7, EL7 and ET5 that will be available along with subscription packages to encourage consumer transition to electric vehicles.
The Asian brand detailed that the ET7, its high-performance flagship sedan, is now available for orders in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden and deliveries will begin on October 16.
The automaker also confirmed that pre-orders for its EL7, a mid-size and full-size smart electric SUV, and ET5 mid-size smart electric sedan are open now, with deliveries to begin in January and March 2023, respectively.
Breakthrough Innovation
NIO’s NT2 platform accommodates impressive battery-switching technology, where drivers can stop, change and go without having to wait to charge their car.
The company is also set to begin building this infrastructure in its new European markets, with 20 Power Sharing Stations (PSS) by the end of 2022, alongside the launch of its trio of cars.
By 2025, NIO’s target is 1,000 of these PSSs outside China, with the majority, it says, set for Europe.
