A New Heavy Hitter in China’s EV Arena
Nio’s Onvo L90 is storming the Chinese electric vehicle market. The full-size electric SUV just set a record, selling an astounding 40,000 units in the four months following its launch. This three-row family machine, built on a 900V platform, offers an aggressive starting price of just 179,800 yuan (25,450 USD) thanks to Nio’s innovative Battery as a Service (BaaS) plan.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak power | 340 / 440 | kW | RWD / AWD variants |
| Horsepower | 456 / 590 | hp | RWD / AWD variants |
| Range (CLTC) | 605 / 570 | km | RWD / AWD variants |
| Battery capacity (gross) | 85 | kWh | Supports battery swapping |
| Max DC fast-charge | 10-80% in 25 | min | Utilizes a 900V high-voltage system |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5145/1998/1786 | mm | 3,110 mm wheelbase |
| Cargo Volume | 240 (front) + 430 (rear) | L | With all seats in use |
| Starting price | ¥179,800 | CNY | With BaaS; standard price from ¥265,800 |
Record Breaking Sales and a New Edition
Launched on July 31, the Onvo L90 quickly became one of Nio’s most popular models. On December 4, the company announced it had delivered 40,000 units in four months, setting a new delivery speed record for the full-size BEV SUV segment in China. To keep the momentum going, Onvo also began deliveries of the new L90 Black Knight Edition across the country.
Smart Tech and Smarter Pricing
The car’s interior is configurable for six (2+2+2) or seven (2+3+2) seats, making it a versatile family vehicle. It comes packed with features, including an 8.86-liter refrigerator, a 17.3-inch screen for rear passengers, and a 23-speaker sound system.
The L90’s 900V architecture allows its 85 kWh battery to charge from 10-80% in a quick 25 minutes. Performance is strong, with the RWD version producing 340 kW (456 hp) and the AWD model generating 440 kW (590 hp). It also supports Nio’s signature battery swap technology, offering another convenient way to recharge. However, the real draw for many is the BaaS plan. This allows customers to buy the L90 without a battery, drastically lowering the entry price. Owners then pay a monthly subscription of 899 yuan (~130 USD), making a premium SUV surprisingly affordable.
Has the Growth Peaked?
Despite its impressive start, the Onvo L90’s sales growth slowed down recently. After three consecutive months of selling over 10,000 units, the company delivered 6,706 units between November 1 and December 4. While this indicates a cooling off period, the L90 has already established itself as a major player in a market full of strong competitors like BYD’s Yangwang. Its blend of size, technology, and clever pricing remains a powerful combination.
