The all-electric Nio ES8 SUV is currently only available in China, but could its innovative switchable batteries be a real EV game-changer? The Nio ES8 is a distinctive and capable premium SUV that’s almost ready to compete with the current crop of European (and American) electric cars. It’ll challenge a Tesla for performance, and while a shorter real-world range might put buyers off, the innovative battery-switch service could be a game-changer for EV sceptics.Nio grabbed the headlines in September when it listed the company’s IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. The Tesla competitor is one of a raft of Chinese New Energy Vehicle NEV start-ups, and while most have no history of producing cars, Nio’s involvement in Formula E puts it well ahead of the pack.Things kicked off last year with the EP9 hypercar, which set a new production car lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. But now the firm is concentrating on real-world models like its new ES8 – a Tesla-rivalling seven-seat SUV Best electric cars on sale right now Currently only available in China, the ES8 is an imposing all-electric SUV that measures slightly shorter than a Tesla Model X. It has been designed in Germany, yet looks suitably futuristic in its proportions. Nio has yet to announce any firm plans for European expansion, but given the multinational team and company structure, we could see cars on sale here within two years.At the front, the ES8 gets what Nio calls an “X-bar” grille, while at the rear there’s a set of “heartbeat” tail-lights. Yet despite the sheer bulk of the car – it is 5,022mm long and about 40mm shy of 2,000mm wide – the drag coefficient is a slippery 0.29cd. The 222-mile range NEDC is not as far reaching as the most expensive Teslas, but Nio’s joker card comes in the form of switchable batteries, which can be swapped out in as little as three minutes. Fast charging can replenish the batteries up to 80 per cent in less than an hour, while a full charge takes 90 minutes. A complete charge on a domestic plug takes 10 hours. In China, buyers have the option to rent a battery pack rather than purchasing it outright with the vehicle, too.Dual electric motors provide intelligent all-wheel drive with at least some off-road ability; with the suspension raised the ES8 can wade water up to 400mm deep. The adaptive air springs deliver, in the most part, a smooth ride – even with on Founders Edition’s 21-inch wheels. At high speeds the car lowers to improve stability, and when parked it can squat to help while loading heavy items.The sheer amount of power and torque on tap provides sports car levels of performance, too. With no gears, there is a simple toggle switch on the centre console for drive and reverse, with a button on the side for Park. Unless you really push the car, you’d be forgiven for forgetting how powerful it is; the serene driving experience is only tempered by the UFO-sounding pedestrian warning sound at lower speeds.
THE NEW ELECTRIC NIO ES8 SUV REVIEW 2018-2019 - YouTube |
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