September 15, 2024, Beijing—Nio, a Chinese premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is stepping into a new arena by launching an affordable sub-brand named ONVO. Their first model, the ONVO L60 electric SUV, is positioned to compete directly with Tesla’s Model Y in the Chinese market. The pre-sale price for the L60 is set just below $31,000, making it nearly $5,000 cheaper than the Model Y. This competitive pricing highlights Nio’s commitment to offering an affordable EV while retaining premium quality.
The ONVO L60 is available in two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel drive producing around 310 horsepower, and a dual-motor version with 400 horsepower. The vehicle’s base model comes with a 60 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a range of 555 km, while a larger 85 kWh battery will push the range beyond 700 km, though official certification is still pending.
Charging technology is also a focal point for the L60. It will feature Nio’s 900-volt charging architecture, allowing the smaller battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes. The 85 kWh variant reduces that time to 20 minutes. Additionally, the L60 will be compatible with Nio’s third and fourth-generation battery swapping stations, promising battery swaps in just 3 minutes.
One of the defining aspects of Nio’s EVs is their Battery as a Service (BaaS) program, which reduces upfront costs by allowing buyers to lease the battery for a monthly fee. While this option is available for the L60, the savings may not be as significant due to its lower-cost battery technology.
Inside, the ONVO L60 offers a design that balances minimalism with practicality. A 17.2-inch horizontal center display is a highlight, moving away from the vertical screens seen in other Nio models. Although the interior doesn’t quite match the luxurious feel of the Tesla Model Y, it offers excellent value for its price, with some hard-touch materials in place of the softer finishes found in its more expensive competitor. The L60 also includes an advanced 18-speaker surround sound system, as well as electronically adjustable rear seats—a feature that adds to the comfort of this family-oriented vehicle.
Despite its more affordable price tag, the L60 doesn’t sacrifice much on technology. It comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 high-performance chip to power its Sky OS operating system. However, it lacks some of the more playful features of premium Nio models, such as the beloved Nomi robot assistant, which has been omitted in favor of a more conventional voice assistant.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the L60 offers a smooth, comfortable ride, though not as sporty as the Tesla Model Y. The rear-wheel-drive version reaches 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the dual-motor variant does it in 4.6 seconds. Its suspension setup, featuring a five-link rear suspension and a McPherson strut front, provides a comfortable ride that stands out when compared to competitors like the Model Y.
During a brief test drive, the L60 handled city streets and highways with minimal noise and vibration, even at higher speeds. The vehicle’s tight turning radius, especially in the rear-wheel-drive version, makes it easier to navigate in urban environments.
With a growing family market in China, the ONVO L60 is expected to find a strong following among customers seeking a more affordable alternative to luxury EVs without compromising on comfort and practicality. As Nio expands its lineup, it will be interesting to see how ONVO shapes the future of affordable electric vehicles in the region.