Chinese electric car company NIO launches its first autonomous car, the ET7

NIO has launched its first autonomous driving model, the smart electric flagship sedan NIO ET7. 

The ET7 features NIO's latest NIO Autonomous Driving (NAD) technology based on NIO Aquila Super Sensing and NIO Adam Super Computer, with NAD bringing safer and more relaxing autonomous driving from one point to the next.

NIO has built up the NAD full stack autonomous driving capability including perception algorithms, localisation, control strategy and platform software. NIO Aquila Super Sensing features 33 high-performance sensing units, including 11 8.0-megapixel high-resolution cameras, one ultra long-range high-resolution laser radar, 5mm wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and two high-precision positioning sensors.

ET7 breaks the norm by integrating high-performance sensors naturally into the body. The ET7 is 5,098mm in length, 1,987mm in width and 1,505mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,060mm. The dual beam LED head lights, together with the double-dash daytime running lights, echo with the crystal-like heartbeat tail lights to form a streamlined silhouette.

The interior is a further interpretation of the second living room concep - a refined and cozy mobile living space. Frameless soft-closing door comes standard for easy entry and exit. ET7 also marks the first application of Karuun renewable rattan on a production model for a green and natural experience. The standard massage seats with heating and ventilation offer a reassuring and comfortable experience for every passenger.

NIO's second-generation smart cockpit on the ET7 has enhanced in-car mobile connectivity and communication capability enabled by the third Generation Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platform. The new 12.8-inch AMOLED centre display has greatly improved resolution and contrast.

The ET7 has inherited NIO's high-performance DNA with a 180kW permanent magnet motor in the front and a 300kW induction motor in the rear. Maximum power is rated at 635bhp with peak torque at 850Nm, and the ET7 accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

With a drag coefficient of 0.23Cd and the application of the second generation high efficiency electric drive platform with silicon carbide power module, the energy efficiency is further improved. With a 70kWh battery pack, the ET7 has a claimed range of over 500km, or over 700km with a 100kWh battery. When coupled with the new 150kWh battery, the ET7 has a claimed range of over 1,000km.

The ET7 is designed to meet both Chinese and European safety standards, featuring an ultrahigh strength steel aluminium hybrid body delivering high torsional stiffness. The smart air suspension and continuous damping control are standard on all ET7s, and it is based on high-definition maps and high-resolution sensors which can detect road conditions and adjust the suspension for ride comfort.

Deliveries of the NIO ET7 are estimated to start in the first quarter of 2022.