NIO began production on an industrial scale “Thunder”, or new 900 V electric drive system (EDS); The first powertrains left the factory on March 27 and were ready to be installed (as standard) in the upcoming NIO ET9 fastback sedan, due in 2025.
The Chinese company provided several details regarding the Thunder, focusing on weight and dimensions smaller than previous EDS: new powertrains they are 30% lighter, and their longitudinal dimension is reduced by 280 mm..
The practical significance of this decision lower vehicle consumption and greater interior comfort thanks to the gain of additional space.
As we expected last December when NIO unveiled the new flagship during NIO Day 2023, the ET9 is equipped with a powertrain consisting of two electric motors (all-wheel drive): on the front axle there is an asynchronous induction motor with a peak power of 180 hp. kW (245 hp) e The power density is 2.6 kW/kg.
The rear axle is equipped with the first W-Pin permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with a voltage of 925 V and a peak power of 340 kW (462 hp) with a weight of only 79 kg, i.e. with a specific power of 4.3 kW/kg.
Moreover, 86% of the engine power (total output 520 kW/707 hp) is always available.; The EDS also features an updated liquid cooling system that increases peak power by 30%. supplied by the engine.
The Thunder EDS 900V uses a power supply module. Silicon carbide 1200 V with a specific power of 1315 kW/l. and can withstand more than 300,000 power cycles, maintaining charging power up to 600 kW (765 A) thanks also to the 900 V platform.
This equipment allows Cylindrical batteries 46105 and 120 kWh restore 255 km of autonomy in just 5 minutes when connected to an HPC column.
The fastback ET9 will not only be powerful, but also luxurious and equipped with the latest innovations thanks to more than 100 full-featured NIO technologies, including NIO’s first five-nanometer auto-grading chip.
Thanks to the design “Langet” The living space offered by the flagship, which can seat 4 people, is large and comfortable, designed specifically for the high-end customers that the Chinese brand intends to target, with 24 patents filed by NIO for the development of the rear seats. “first grade”in front of which there are 2 14.5-inch screens.
A third 8-inch display was also placed between the two seats, which can be reclined to an angle of up to 45 degrees; Finally, 7 electric sun blinds guarantee privacy and comfort.
The dashboard is dominated by a large 15.6-inch infotainment screen (which is accompanied by a head-up display) based on the SkyOS software platform.
While driving, the active SkyRide suspension allows all four wheels to be controlled independently, allowing the vehicle to always maintain high road comfort.
NIO opened pre-orders last year, prices start at 800,000 yuan (about 101,340 euros), and deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2025, for now only for the Chinese market.
NIO ET9’s originally designated competitor was Tesla Model Sas well as the appearance on the market of the IM Motors L6 model, equipped with the first solid-state battery, raised the bar competition between automakers.
Source: HD Motori
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