At first, car enthusiasts drove muscle cars, but in the mid-1960s, manufacturers started equipping small-size cars with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive systems. As such, they’d never be named muscle cars but supercars.
During the era of ICE supercars and muscle cars, engine noise was a nuisance, as well as environmental pollution. Check out this math: the average classic car emits 563kg of CO2 annually. So you can imagine a muscle or a supercar with a V8 engine and most probably supercharged.
The emission and the noise are extreme. But thanks to the technology. Car manufacturers are producing electric supercars. These battery electric cars have zero carbon emissions and minimal noise.
Beginning
You’ll learn about NIO EP9, a supercar produced by Chinese automaker NIO. The article will discuss the car specs, prices, and other review details.
Overview
What is It?
NIO EP9 is a battery-powered two-seat sports car. The model has been manufactured since 2016 by RML Group on behalf of Chinese electric car manufacturer NIO. NIO EP9 has four motors, unlike electric cars with one or two motors.
Surprisingly, it is not road legal vehicle for roads. The car is designed for track use only, so they’re not registered for road use.
NIO? Say What?
NIO is one of the Chinese electric car manufacturers that has become popular. It was founded in 2014 with the name NextEV, but later, in 2016, it was named NIO.
NIO brand was launched in the Saatchi Gallery in London in 2016, and the EP9 debuted on the same day the brand was established.
Several companies have invested in NIO, including Sequoia, Lenovo, Tencent, Temasek, and TPG. That could be why the manufacturer has risen to the same in just a few years.
In fact, it has raised over $5 billion from investors, and earlier, it announced plans to expand to 25 other countries and regions by 2025.
What About the Looks?
The EP9 is the true definition of beauty and aesthetics, thanks to the chief designer David Hilton, the company’s former senior design director. The exterior is carbon fiber, which makes it lightweight, and the ground clearance is minimal for better stability.
The EP9 fascia is excellent, as you can see the NIO logo near the edge of the hood. The car has a raised design on each side of the hood to give enough space for the front tires.
The doors open vertically like those of a Lamborghini, giving the car a futuristic design and feel. The rear wing has three settings: parked, low-drag, and high-downforce.
On the other hand, the interior of the NIO EP9 is just as futuristic as the exterior. The cabin has a simple dashboard and a racing-designed steering wheel.
The car seats are made of carbon fiber, a lightweight material that offers maximum comfort to the driver and the passenger. The seats are also adjustable.
The EP9 interior has advanced technologies like high-definition displays and multimedia systems. This is a perfect blend of speed and luxury in one environment.
The car also has one of the most advanced air conditioning systems to keep the driver and the passenger cool during summer track days.
And to Drive?
NIO EP9 has four electric motors mounted on each wheel. The car has a maximum power of 1,341 hp, equivalent to 1 megawatt and 1,480 Nm. The power is enough to give you non-stop thrills on the road if you don’t fear pressing the pedal harder.
NIO claims the car can pull from 0 to 100 km per hour in just 2.7 seconds, faster than most of the supercars we have on the market.
A motor to drive each wheel means the car has all-wheel drive traction. It can fight enough during a track with this incredible maximum power output. You can reach a maximum speed of 313 km per hour if you’re courageous enough to control the car.
Do You Think You Will Take It To Heart?
Over the years, driving the supercars has always been enjoyable but not fair to the public. A car with internal combustion engines would produce much noise and pollute the environment.
What about the technology? The NIO EP9 has an adjustable rare wing that offers maximum performance and efficiency.
Definitely, you’ll love the quiet ride and good performance from the car. Moreover, the looks and the exterior design are what many car enthusiasts would love.
What’s in a Name?
The name EP9 stands for Electric Performance 9. And having the maximum peak power of 1000kW, the car is truly a performance model. NIO used the naming method in modes like the NIO ES8, which stands for Electric SUV 8.
And NIO means “Blue Sky Coming,” in Chinese. It’s a multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Shanghai. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing electric cars like NIO EP9.
You Mention High-Tech?
NIO EP9 has an advanced technology display for entertainment and a better driving experience. The infotainment screen is set at the center above the gear stick. The passenger screen is on the side, sliding up and down the dashboard.
Another screen is at the center of the flat-bottomed-styled steering wheel, while the final screen is above the steering wheel and ahead of the driver’s seating position.
This collection and integration of the gadgets in the cabin demonstrates NIO’s wearable technology into the car.
NIO explained the car system digests performance information and the magnitude of force during the ride. The EP9 can give simplified guidance.
According to NIO, the systems work like the supercar’s brain by digesting performance to advise the driver for better decision-making.
While other electric car manufacturers set motors on either the rear or front axles, NIO fixed each wheel with its motor. Each motor has a maximum output of 250kW, totaling 1000kW.
This individual wheel drive system has an advanced torque venturing system to adjust the power output when necessary.
NIO EP9 has an active suspension, including a ride height controller that can make 200 calculations per second. The car can offer autonomous driving, and this system also comes with other advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Also worth noting is that the car is powered by a mix of lithium-ion and supercapacitors, which provide quick power for better performance. The car is capable of cornering with good stability.
The EP9 comes with an advanced aerodynamics package, like rear wing adjustment.
What’s the Verdict?
The NIO EP9 is one of the world’s fastest electric vehicles, with a total power output of 1000kW. The car has broken multiple records for the Shanghai International Circuit, Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Circuit Paul Ricard, and the Circuit of the Americas.
Price and Specs
How Much Does NIO EP9 Cost?
NIO EP9 is the most expensive supercar, costing around $3 million. The manufacturing cost is around $1.2 million since the model is built with carbon fiber.
It is also made with panels manufactured by Huntingdon-based Forward Composites. The vehicle has the most technologically advanced systems and equipment.
Specs:
| Price: $3,000,000 | Engine: Four Indirectly water-cooled electric motors. |
| 0-100 km/h: 2.7 seconds | Power: 1000kW |
| Torque: 1,480 Nm | Range: 427 km |
| Top Speed: 313 km/h | Release Year: 2016 |
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Driving
What is It Like to Drive?
Unlike other electric cars, the EP9 delivers excellent performance and a compelling driving experience. The car moves from 0 to 200 km in 7.1 seconds. From 0 to 100 km, you can expect a short duration of only 2.7 seconds.
The second benefit of driving the NIO EP9 is the aero efficiency. The vehicle is designed to handle the physical demands of the 3G forces very well, so you can negotiate sharp corners at a higher speed.
The car also has a higher weight that combines with the aerodynamic features to give better performance and stability.
The cockpit resembles a jet, and the controls are very straightforward. The braking system is also very responsive, even during wet climates. Generally, the instant power from the car and the advanced systems give the best feeling.
What About the Steering?
The multifunctional steering wheel in NIO EP9 has a flat bottom and a sporty design. The wheel is weighted for better handling, but the car also has a good weight for stability.
Furthermore, you cannot expect a supercar with a top speed of 313 km per hour to give an awkward steering experience.
Talk to Me About the Ride
Getting to the car, you’ll have one of the best cabins. You can adjust the seats to your desired position and set the air conditioning systems to improve the interior environment.
In the cabin, you have four screens: One for the passenger, the central infotainment display for entertainment, and two screens around the steering wheel.
The multifunctional steering wheel allows you to select and engage most of the systems in the car. This is ideal for safety since this sports car peaks speed instantly. The car also has a lower ground clearance, so tracks on bumpy and rocky areas can mess up your day.
And the EV Efficiency?
You don’t expect a supercar with a maximum power output of 1000kW to be much more efficient. However, the EP9 has an incredible power consumption of 1kWh for every 4.27 kilometers. That sums to around 22kWh per 100 km.
NIO EP9 stands out regarding the range and consumption among the supercars. The battery can charge from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes, and when full, you can expect to cover 427 km before looking for a charging station.
What About Steering the NIO EP9 Yourself?
NIO EP9 has racing wheels, advanced safety systems, and autonomous driving systems to improve your driving experience. The steering wheel is sporty and designed for racing, so you have nothing to worry about.
The carbon cockpit and chassis indicate the vehicle can handle the 3G cornering. The weighted steering and the body also make the car stable on sharp corners. Generally, this car is awesome for the weekend track if you’re an adrenaline junkie.
Is the Range Good?
NIO EP9 has a range of 427 km, which is quite impressive considering some electric cars have even lower electric ranges.
Interior
What is It Like on the Inside?
The interior of the NIO EP9 is made of carbon fiber, making it lighter and more elegant. The car has four screens: One on the passenger side, one at the central part above the gear stick, one on the steering wheel, and the other behind the steering wheel.
The screens have different functions. For instance, the one on the passenger side displays the top speed, lap time, driver’s heart rate, and lateral G forces.
The screen on the driver’s side also displays performance data, but it offers more information than the passengers. The center console screen also displays the same data, with the track map showing the car’s current position.
The steering wheel looks more sporty, and the seats are adjustable for maximum comfort. At the center console, you can also turn on the air conditioning. The cabin looks modern, with high-definition displays and other advanced features.
Is the NIO EP9 Easy to Use?
The car offers the simplest and most friendly cabin, provided you can use the touch screens. The safety features help you drive the car effortlessly, even at higher speeds.
However, you must stay alert, especially at higher speeds, because the systems cannot take full control of the car.
But Where’s the Instrument Panel?
NIO EP9’s instrument panel is right behind the steering wheel, but you can also use the one attached to the steering wheel. All these displays show performance information.
Surprisingly, even the passenger in the EP9 can check on the controls and monitor the driver’s behavior using the passenger-side display.
Is It Spacious?
The EP9 is a massively wide sports car with two-person space. The car has impressive dimensions besides its curb weight, which is 1735 kg. It has a length of 4888 mm, a width of 2230 mm, and a height of 1150 mm.
How’s the Build Quality?
The car’s interior and exterior are made completely out of carbon fiber. The material makes it lightweight and strong enough to protect the occupants in an accident. Carbon fiber also boasts an extremely high stiffness, so it can last longer.
Interestingly, the car’s fiber chassis is 70% lighter than steel, used in most modern cars. The Chassis enables the can to maneuver well in sharp corners.
Buying
What Should I Be Paying?
Some people will tell you buying NIO EP9 is nearly impossible. It’s the fastest and one of the most expensive cars, costing around $3 million. And even if you’ve got the money, you can’t buy it because EP9s have been reserved for investors who pumped their money into NIO’s parent company.
The limited number of vehicles and the fact that some are not road-legal makes it harder to purchase the EP9.
What Does Charging Cost?
China offers the lowest electricity costs worldwide, considering it’s one of the largest electric vehicle manufacturers. The charges average $0.12 per kWh, but they can change depending on the country you’re in.
For instance, the cost of charging an electric car in Europe is $0.30 per kWh, while in the US, the charges range between $0.30 and $0.60 per kWh.
How Long Will Charging Take?
The car takes 45 minutes to charge the battery to 80% when using the fast DC charging in its 777-volt powertrain. Swapping out the battery, on the other hand, takes 8 minutes.
What About Rivals?
NIO EP9 is considered one of the fastest and the most expensive cars worldwide. But it faces models that give it a run for its money.
Here are some of the rivals and their specs:
| NIO EP9 | Aspark Owl | Lotus Evija | Pininfarina Battista |
| Engine: Four electric motors | Engine: Four electric motors | Engine: Four electric motors | Engine: Four electric motors |
| Output: 1,341 hp | Output: 1,980 hp | Output: 1,971 hp | Output: 1,900 hp |
| Torque: 1,091 lb-ft | Torque: 1,475 lb-ft | Torque: 1,254 lb-ft | Torque: 1,696 lb-ft |
| Top Speed: 313 km/h | Top Speed: 401 km/h | Top Speed: 351 km/h | Top Speed: 349 km/h |
| Price: $3 million | Price: $4 million | Price: $2.3 million | Price: $2.25 million |
Other rivals include Rimac Concept S with 1384 hp and 1328 lb-ft, Tesla Model S P100D with 762 hp and 713 lb-ft, Toroidion 1MW with 1341 hp, Techrules Ren with 1287 hp and 1726 lb-ft, and Artega Scalo Superelletra with 1006 hp and 1195 lb-ft.
