This Tesla Model Y Clone From Nio Might Be Even Better


  • The Onvo L60’s design was heavily inspired by the Tesla Model Y.
  • It has a new 900-volt EV platform and it undercuts the Model Y on price.
  • It makes a strong first impression in this review from China.

There’s no getting around the fact that the design of Nio’s Onvo L60 was heavily inspired by the Tesla Model Y. From many angles, you might even mistake it for a Tesla, and even the interior seems very similar to what you can see aboard a Model Y in terms of its layout and overall design.

However, while its design is unquestionably derivative, it has just enough of its own character for us not to call it a blatant copy. It actually looks a bit better than the Model Y (let us know in the comments if you agree), especially from the side, with a less bubbly greenhouse and a sportier profile.

Onvo-L60

Onvo-L60

If you still aren’t convinced that Onvo designers were heavily influenced by Tesla when creating the L60, just check out the design of the aero wheels on the car in the review posted by ChinaDriven. If we changed the badge, you would probably be fooled into thinking you’re looking at a base Tesla wheel.

The L60 is great at slicing through the air with its 0.229 drag coefficient, which makes it one of the slipperiest crossovers ever—it’s better than the Model Y’s 0.236 Cd. It’s also not that heavy for an EV its size, weighing just under 4,000 pounds with the standard battery. It runs on Nio’s new 900-volt platform enabling it to be slightly more efficient than the Model Y.

It’s pretty quick to charge too. The base standard range 60.6 kWh version needs 25 minutes for the 10 to 80% charge, and it takes 20 minutes for the larger 80 kWh long-range pack. Onvo has not revealed the charging power numbers, but it has announced that the L60 can go in for a battery swap at Nio’s third- and fourth-generation swapping stations.

Gallery: Onvo L60 (2024)

The base car has a single 321 horsepower motor driving the rear wheels. The dual-motor version adds a drive unit on the front axle for a combined 456 hp. The 60.6 kWh single-motor L60 is rated for up to 555 km (345 miles) CLTC on one charge. That drops to 525 km (326 miles) in dual-motor cars. The official range numbers for the larger battery haven’t been announced.

You can order an Onvo L60 in China for 219,900 yuan ($31,000), which makes it around 30,000 yuan ($4,300) cheaper than Tesla’s Model Y. Onvo expects to initially sell over 10,000 L60s every month, which should double next year.

When it announced the creation of the Onvo sub-brand, Nio said it was also aimed at the European market, so we should see the L60 debut in Europe at some point in the future. Nio is already present on the continent, so it will have an easier time launching a second brand, although whether the L60 reaches Europe ultimately depends on how high the new EU import duties on Chinese cars will be.

This Tesla Model Y Clone From Nio Might Be Even Better

Electric vehicle manufacturer Nio has recently unveiled its latest offering, the Nio ES8, which bears a striking resemblance to Tesla’s popular Model Y. While some may view this as a copycat move, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the Nio ES8 brings some unique features and improvements to the table that could potentially make it even better than its inspiration.

One of the key selling points of the Nio ES8 is its impressive range. With a battery capacity of 100 kWh, the ES8 is capable of covering over 320 miles on a single charge. This is on par with, if not better than, the Model Y’s range, making the ES8 a compelling option for those who prioritize long-distance driving without the need for frequent recharging.

In terms of performance, the Nio ES8 also holds its own against the Model Y. Boasting a top speed of 124 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds, the ES8 delivers a thrilling driving experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning of drivers. Additionally, the ES8 comes equipped with Nio’s signature NIO Pilot advanced driver-assistance system, which offers a range of autonomous driving features that make driving safer and more convenient.

Another area where the Nio ES8 shines is in its design and build quality. The ES8 features a sleek and modern exterior that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Inside, the cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and advanced technology giving it a premium feel. The attention to detail and craftsmanship that has gone into the ES8’s design sets it apart from other electric vehicles on the market and gives it a sense of luxury that is on par with, if not better than, the Model Y.

Overall, while the Nio ES8 may bear a resemblance to the Tesla Model Y, it is clear that Nio has put in the effort to make it a standout offering in its own right. With impressive range, performance, and design, the ES8 presents a compelling option for those in the market for an electric SUV. Whether it will surpass the Model Y in terms of sales remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain – the Nio ES8 is a force to be reckoned with in the electric vehicle market.