Nio is one of the emerging e-car brands in China. Now the start of Germany is imminent.
The Chinese automaker Nio wants to start in Germany in 2022. Company founder William Li has now announced this to the magazine “Der Spiegel”. He wants to start the European business in Norway this year.
Li wants to position Nio as a premium brand in the league of Mercedes, Audi and BMW. Initially, the Chinese are starting with the large SUV ES8, followed later by the ES7 sedan and the smaller ES6 SUV. At least in Norway, Nio also wants to establish its battery exchange system. Instead of charging for a long time, the brand's vehicles should be able to swap an empty battery for a full one at special exchange stations on longer journeys. Alternatively, conventional fast charging is also possible.
Nio was founded in 2014. Since then, the company has built almost 100.000 cars that have so far only been sold in China. Nio does not have its own plant; the vehicles are produced by competitor JAC.
