Recently, according to media reports, the all-new entry-level brand Alps of NIO will launch its first pure electric sedan in the second half of next year, with a pricing range of 200,000 to 300,000 yuan (~US$27,232 – US$40,849 at rate 1:7.34). It is based on the NIO NT3.0 next-gen platform and may be equipped with self-developed intelligent driving chips, a single motor, an 800V high-voltage architecture, and a shared power exchange station with NIO.
At the first quarter financial report meeting, Li Bin revealed that the development of the first Alps model was smooth, and the second product is currently under development. Li Bin expects the Alps to have lower prices than Tesla. The NIO will not launch any new cars next year, with a focus on the Alps, with the goal of becoming a hot-selling model.
It is reported that the NT3.0 platform has a brand new electronic and electrical architecture, EIC system, intelligent cockpit, and intelligent driving technology. It will be equipped with new technologies including 800V high-voltage architecture, new generation electric drive, self-developed chips, etc., which is basically a symbol of NIO’s move towards full stack self-development. The 800V high-voltage architecture will significantly compress charging time and increase the range by about 10% due to improved energy efficiency. The centralized central electronic and electrical architecture will not only reduce costs, but also further enhance the intelligence and digitization of the entire vehicle.
The first model under Alps will be equipped with 60kWh and 90kWh battery packs. Due to the thinner battery pack compared to existing NIO models, the body posture and sitting posture inside the car will also be better than the ET5. NIO prepared to develop its own lithium iron phosphate battery and 4680 battery in the early stages to supply NIO and Alps brands.
