NIO Day 2021 is just a few hours away.
Here’s what I expect to be announced at the event in Suzhou:
1. ET5 reveal. NIO’s fifth model after the ES8, ES6, EC6 and ET7 is a given. It will likely be a shorter version of the ET7 but in a coupe styling with LiDARs possibly positioned in the front bumpers rather than the “watchtower” position atop the windshield of the ET7;
2. A teaser of the third model in the NT2.0 family (which includes the ET7 and ET5). Recent rumors have indicated it could be the ES7 SUV slotted between the ES8 and ES6, or the EF9 MPV. Remember NIO is launching all three models in 2022 and one of these models (likely the ET5) will be the cheapest model in the core NIO brand;
3. Preliminary details on NIO’s new mass brand, could be things like positioning, product plans and approximate launch or delivery timing. But I expect another standalone event sometime next year dedicated to the launch of this new mass brand;
4. Expansion into further European countries including Germany;
5. Update on the 150-kWh hybrid solid-state battery;
6. Update on NIO’s NAD autonomous driving system capabilities including features that could allow city-level advanced driver assistance system (like Xpeng’s city NGP) or even something close to L3 “hands off” on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class/EQS;
7. NIO’s flexible battery pack upgrade to allow weekly upgrades (from the currently monthly) as well as “downgrades” from bigger battery pack (100 kWh) to smaller battery pack (75 kWh), and ultimately reach an “anytime anywhere any pack size” battery swappable model;
8. NIO Power Swap station expansion plan for 2022 (previously it was said to be increasing to 1,100 by mid-2022 from the current 730 or so) and possibly first partners that will utilize the power swap network;
9. Possible product feature upgrades for the ES8, ES6 and EC6;
10. Alan Walker performing his new song “Hello World” and of course “Spectre” and “Faded” as well.
I’m certain of No. 1 and 10.
As for the other ones, I guess we will just have to wait until the event.
