NextEV's NIO EP9 is an incredible four-wheel-drive electric hypercar

Chinese electric car start-up NextEV has launched a new sub-brand today, called NIO, and its first car will be this bonkers EP9 electric four-wheel-drive hyper car.

The NIO EP9 reportedly set a new lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in October, completing the 20.8km circuit in seven minutes and five seconds; beating the previous EV time set by the Toyota TMG EV P002.

Four high-performance motors (one for each wheel) and four individual gearboxes give the EP9 a 777-volt powertrain that develops 1 megawatt of power, equivalent to an astonishing 1,341bhp.

The means the EP9 can accelerate from 0-200kph in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 313kph or 194mph (0-62 mph is hit in 2.7 seconds, making it slower in this regard than the Tesla Model S P100D, however).
Photo: NextEV
Photo: NextEV
The electric EP9 can be charged to full in 45 minutes (though its interchangeable battery system could allow the cells to be swapped out in just eight minutes) and it has a claimed range of 427km.

A carbon cockpit and chassis aims to cut weight, which is vital because, thanks to that battery supply, at 1,735kg the EP9 comes in almost 200kg heavier than a LaFerrari or a McLaren P1.

Photo: NextEV
Photo: NextEV

NextEV founder and chairman, William Li, said: “The NIO EP9 was born to push limits and is the first stage of automotive production for NIO. It is a statement of our vision and technical and manufacturing capabilities. It showcases what is possible with electric vehilces''.

The company says the car is capable of more than 2.5G lateral force during high-speed corners, while also producing nearly two and a half tonnes of downforce at 150mph (24,000 Newtons of downforce at 240kph).

Photo: NextEV
Photo: NextEV

There is more carbon fibre in the cabin, where the two bucket seats are created out of a single piece of the material, while four displays give off information as the driver steers using a rectangular-shaped F1-style wheel.

NextEV, whose NIO Formula E team won the series’ inaugural drivers’ championship title in 2015, is planning a production run of just six models, and while no prices have been revealed NextEV states that each car costs approximately $1.2 million to build.

Wired

Other News

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

Hanoi approves controlled pilot of two technology projects

The two projects involve an intelligent autonomous transportation system developed by Phenikaa-X JSC and a technology for producing mixed rare-earth oxides with a purity of over 95% on a semi-industrial scale developed by the Mining Technology and Construction Consultancy JSC.

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

Banking industry in AI era: When data becomes competitive advantage

In just a few years, AI has evolved from an experimental technology into an “assistant” for many banks, supporting everything from customer service, credit approval, and fraud detection to risk management. However, as the technological gap between institutions narrows, a new question is emerging: What will determine banks' competitive advantage in the AI era?

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

Bac Ninh considers establishing AI centre of excellence

A meeting has been held in Bac Ninh to discuss potential cooperation with Plug and Play in developing the northern province’s innovation ecosystem and establishing an artificial intelligence (AI) centre of excellence, with Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Mai Son receiving a delegation from the global innovation platform.

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

Hanoi allows 24-month trial of autonomous vehicles at Hoa Lac

The project aims to assess the safety, reliability and readiness of autonomous vehicles under real traffic conditions, as well as the effectiveness of autonomous public transport and compatibility with existing systems. Its results will contribute to developing technical standards, operating procedures and management models suited to Hanoi’s traffic conditions.

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

Singapore's experience suggests solutions to Vietnam's human resources challenge in AI era

As Vietnam accelerates digital transformation and high-tech development, Singapore’s experience and the engagement of global technology companies demonstrate that human resources preparation must stay ahead of the curve. The ability to filter knowledge, collaborate, innovate and effectively use AI will increasingly become essential to helping workers adapt to a changing labour market and strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnam’s economy in the new era.

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Protecting national security amid digital transformation, cyberspace

Cybersecurity, information security and data security risks must be identified and addressed early and from afar, with appropriate defensive measures ready to neutralise threats and protect national interests in cyberspace, said Lieutenant General Le Xuan Minh, Director of the Ministry of Public Security’s Department of Cybersecurity and Hi-tech Crime Prevention (A05).

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Mekong Delta launches first robotics, AI research institute

Dr. Nguyen Van Quang, Rector of Nam Can Tho University, said the university is developing a value chain covering training, research, technology development, testing, technology transfer and commercialisation. The model is designed to link research more closely with practical needs, ensuring that technologies generate products and products create value for society.

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

Vietnam positioned to harness AI wave, World Bank report says

The WB report identifies Vietnam as one of the few economies outside the European Union (EU) to have adopted a comprehensive AI regulatory framework as early as 2025. Vietnam applies a risk-tiered approach similar to that of the EU AI Act, imposing different obligations depending on whether an AI system poses “unacceptable,” “high,” “low” or “minimal” risks. The approach is viewed as a strategic step towards ensuring safe and transparent AI governance.

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

AI offers both opportunities, challenges for Vietnam's growth

Dr. Ho Duc Thang, a full-time member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Cultural and Educational, said productivity is the key to sustaining double-digit economic growth, and AI has greater potential to improve productivity than any previous technology.

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Top leader unveils people-centred vision for new development model

Vietnam's growth model, long fueled by low-cost labour, resource extraction, contract manufacturing, expanded investment, and capital accumulation, has run out of road. The country now needs a sweeping reform agenda to shift from extensive growth to a model driven by productivity, knowledge, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.