Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
Speaking to the media immediately after the Onvo L60 launch event, Nio Group founder and chief executive William Li reiterated that the company is not planning to launch extended-range electric vehicles (EREV). At least until Tesla “adopts that approach”.
Hybrid vehicles, which can run on battery power for short distances and switch to fuel for longer trips, accounted for nearly half of new EV sales this year.
“Extended-range [EREV] and plug-in hybrid vehicles [PHEV] are indeed selling well at the moment, which I think is normal. However, for Nio and Onvo, we are still committed to the battery swap model.”
In July, hybrids made up 45.1% of total EV deliveries in mainland China, up from 34.3% a year earlier, according to industry data.
Beijing-based Li Auto, one of the main EREV manufacturers in China, delivered 48,122 vehicles in August bringing its year to date figures to 288,103 units. In its portfolio, the company counts only one battery electric model named Li Mega.
According to China’s media outlet 36kr, Xpeng’s first EREV model is currently in development, with mass production planned for the second half of 2025.
Last month, Huawei-backed EV brand Avatr unveiled its extended-range system, and by the end of the year, it plans to have three EREV models equipped with the technology.
Li stated that the EV manufacturer will “only discuss” that option when Tesla also considers producing EREV models.
“We will only discuss extended-range vehicles when Tesla adopts that approach. To make a comparison, imagine shared power banks; it’s more efficient than everyone carrying their own,” Nio CEO stated as initially reported by local media IT Home.
“Nio’s battery swapping and upgradable batteries are, in a way, a more efficient form of extended range,” he added.
In the same event, Nio Group CEO William Li denied that the company is negotiating Audi’s factory in Belgium saying the EV maker is “cautious about investing in fixed assets” with one exception.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
