Nio wants to challenge the Tesla Model Y’s position as the world’s best-selling vehicle with an all-new vehicle sold under a new, more affordable sub-brand. It’s called the Onvo L60, and it has an optional ultra-long-range battery that should provide up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) on the Chinese CLTC test cycle.
The CLTC test cycle is more optimistic than even WLTP, which is not as accurate as the EPA test cycle in the U.S. For reference, the Tesla Model Y Long Range is rated in China at up to 688 km (427 miles), so, on paper at least, the new Onvo EV should provide over 40% more range from its battery pack, whose capacity has yet to be disclosed.
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Nio wants Onvo to be a strong seller globally
Onvo is a brand new Nio sub-brand, and the L60 electric coupe-like crossover is its first model, which has clearly been benchmarked against the Tesla Model Y to compete with it on global markets.
The biggest battery in the L60 should have more than 100 kWh capacity to achieve the claimed range, even with the very impressive claimed efficiency of just 12.1 kWh/100 km, which equates to around 5.2 miles/kWh. The Model Y is rated at 12.5 kWh/100 km in China, or 4.97 miles/kWh. However, these are CLTC measurements, and achieving the same result in real-world driving conditions will be nearly impossible. The Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD has a combined EPA efficiency rating of 3.5 miles/kWh, which is much closer to reality.
With a starting price in China of 219,900 yuan (about $30,500), it is about 12% cheaper than a Model Y, which starts in China at 249,900 yuan (about $34,600). According to Nio CEO William Li, the L60 is aimed at the fully electric Model Y and the Toyota RAV-4, which is sold in hybrid and plug-in hybrid guise.
Buyers in China can also choose an Onvo L60 without the battery pack, for which they will pay a monthly subscription. Car News China says this version with the battery as a service option will be the most affordable and start at just 170,000 yuan, or around $23,500.
The Onvo L60 is slightly longer than the Tesla Model Y, so it should offer more interior room, but it won’t be quite as practical overall since it doesn’t have a frunk. The L60’s design is very Tesla-esque, though, from the shape of the front bumper, which is like that of a Model 3 Performance, to the side profile and shape of the rear flanks, which look like they’re directly inspired by the Model Y.
Even the shape of the dashboard inside the L60 is reminiscent of a new Tesla, as is the style and placement of the infotainment screen. The latter measures 17.2 inches, has a 3K resolution and is the biggest ever fitted to a Nio vehicle.
Nio wants to take the Onvo brand global by the end of the year, with Europe being the main market of focus outside China. However, we probably won’t see this vehicle or any Nio vehicle reaching the United States, especially since the Biden administration recently quadrupled import tariffs on Chinese cars. The only way around this would be for Nio to manufacture the vehicle in North America.
Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has set its sights on competing with Tesla’s Model Y with its newly unveiled Onvo L60. The latest addition to Nio’s lineup of electric vehicles promises to deliver a compelling alternative to Tesla’s highly popular crossover SUV.
The Onvo L60 is Nio’s first foray into the competitive SUV market and aims to challenge Tesla in terms of performance, features, and technology. The vehicle boasts a sleek and futuristic design, similar to that of the Model Y, with its aerodynamic body and distinctive LED headlights.
In terms of performance, the Onvo L60 is powered by dual electric motors that deliver a total output of over 400 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration and impressive driving dynamics. The vehicle also offers a range of over 300 miles on a single charge, putting it on par with Tesla’s Model Y in terms of battery efficiency.
One of the standout features of the Onvo L60 is its advanced autonomous driving capabilities, thanks to Nio’s proprietary Nio Pilot system. This system incorporates advanced driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, making it a strong competitor to Tesla’s Autopilot system.
In terms of technology and features, the Onvo L60 is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, voice recognition technology, and support for over-the-air software updates. The vehicle also offers a host of convenience features such as wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system.
Overall, Nio’s Onvo L60 represents a formidable challenger to Tesla’s Model Y in the electric SUV market. With its impressive performance, advanced technology, and sleek design, the Onvo L60 is poised to attract a new wave of customers looking for a cutting-edge electric vehicle option.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, competition among manufacturers such as Nio and Tesla is only expected to intensify. With the introduction of the Onvo L60, Nio has made it clear that it is determined to establish itself as a major player in the industry and provide consumers with innovative and compelling alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Only time will tell if the Onvo L60 can live up to its ambitious goals and successfully challenge Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle market.