NIO begins production of its new Thunder 900V propulsion system

The Chinese manufacturer NIO has just announced that it is already producing the new Thunder propulsion system that will debut in its highly anticipated flagship, the ET9. For those who are not familiar with it, this model, which will soon reach the Chinese market, is a generously sized SUV, measuring 5.33 metres long, with an extreme level of luxury, aimed at the most exclusive customers with high purchasing power. In short, a direct rival to the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV.

NIO intends to make the first deliveries of the ET9 in its home market in the first quarter of 2025. The company is already accepting reservations and announces the availability of this luxury electric SUV from 800,000 yuan. That is roughly 100,000 euros at current exchange rates.

In addition to this new 900V platform, the ET9 will be fitted with a fairly generous battery pack, with a capacity of 120 kWh. It will also incorporate cylindrical cells developed by the company itself, with an energy density close to 300 Wh per kilogram, 292 Wh/kg. Its charging capacity will also be very high, with a peak power during the process of up to 600 kW. In this way, according to the Chinese manufacturer, increasing the vehicle’s range by 255 km under the CLTC homologation cycle will take just 5 minutes.

Power is not lacking either

As a top-of-the-range model, it is obvious that the ET9 will have dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. The Chinese manufacturer will install a 340 kW powertrain on the rear axle, while the front axle unit will be 180 kW. In total, the system will be capable of delivering a combined output of 520 kW.

One of the characteristics that makes the new Thunder propulsion system developed by NIO truly special is its dimensions. The company claims that it is 30 percent lighter and, as a result, the space required for its installation is considerably smaller. This in turn provides more room inside the cabin for passengers.

Finally, it is worth noting that the start of production of this new 900V propulsion system has coincided with an important milestone for the company: the cumulative production of one million propulsion systems for the electric vehicles of the Chinese brand.