The resemblance is obvious between the new Nio ET5 and the Tesla Model 3. But is the Chinese holding up in terms of on-board technologies?
Nio ET5 – The new 100% electric sedan from China does not hide it: she is hungry for the Tesla Model 3 and does not hesitate to ape his silhouette to achieve his ends. But well beyond the stylistic mimicry, the ET5 conceals a cutting-edge technology capable of carving out croupiers to its Californian rival. In short, under its slightly classic dress, the Nio is not the lamb you might think.
Similar architecture
Anxious to outclass the American, the Nio ET5 is revealed, to begin with, longer than 10 cm with a height of 4.79 m, while she promises a good height under the roof by raising the latter to 1.50 m, that is to say halfway between Model 3 and Model Y. But in view of his imposing size, the Chinese disappoints when reading his wheelbase length (2.89 m), only a few millimeters higher than Elon Musk’s sedan. From this point of view, the layout of the Nio platform seems to show a deficit in optimizing the space on board. And, for the moment, in theno boot volume data, it is impossible to decide between our two protagonists on this ground.
Warmer interior
The interior of the Nio ET5 is also reminiscent of that of its US competitor. We find there the same atmosphere of stripping, where physical orders are scarce. However, it succumbs to the fashion for digital handsets housed behind the wheel and materializes its personal assistant, baptized NOMI, by a droid head of round shape, overhanging the dashboard. A friendly face that helps make this interior warmer than aboard the Tesla.
Not as efficient
But we especially expect from this Nio ET5 that it responds head-on to the Tesla Model 3 on the subject of driving range and performance. When it is launched, the Chinese will only offera single engine of 360 kW (480 hp) and 700 Nm, via two electric motors, when its competitor is available according to two power levels. Thus, the cavalry of the Nio allows him to bring down the 0 to 100 km / h in 4.3 s, or more or less the acceleration capacity of the Model 3 Long Range (4.4 s), but far from the 3.3 s achieved by the Performance version.
Robust autonomy
The Chinese, like the American, offers three levels of battery capacity ranging from 75 to 150 kWh, via 100 kWh, in order to to rally from 550 to 1000 km. It is better than the Tesla which varies the level of autonomy of its Model 3 from 448 to 614 km, to date.
Nio ET5 price
While the Nio ET5 will begin its commercial career in September 2022 on its national territory, it should make its debut in the Nordic countries of the European continent (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, etc.) during 2023. New markets, such as France, could be invested by 2024, with prices starting around € 45,000.
News about electric cars:
Renault Mégane E-Tech electric vs Tesla Model 3: unexpected duel
Nio ET7: up to 1,000 kilometers for the electric sedan
New Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2022): on a level playing field against the Tesla Model 3?
