Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO made its Middle East debut on Wednesday with the launch of its flagship SUV model EL8 in the United Arab Emirates, marking the company’s first expansion into the region.
The premium electric vehicle maker, which currently serves over 598,000 users across China and Europe, announced the launch through its newly formed joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings.
“The UAE is a hub of progress, making it the ideal place to begin our expansion in the MENA region,” said Mohammed Maktari, Chief Executive Officer of NIO MENA.
“With our premium smart electric vehicles, we aim to redefine the future of mobility here and inspire a new era of environmentally conscious innovation.”
The EL8, priced from AED 359,900, features dual motors delivering 850 Nm of torque and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The vehicle’s 100 kWh battery offers a WLTP range of up to 510 kilometers.
The company plans to introduce its battery swap stations across the UAE in the coming months, allowing drivers to replace depleted batteries in approximately three minutes.
The company will also open its first Middle Eastern NIO House, a community-focused showroom, in Abu Dhabi’s Galleria Al Maryah Island later this year.
NIO announced that two additional models – the EC6 mid-size coupe SUV and ET5 mid-size sedan – will soon join its UAE lineup.
The expansion comes as NIO approaches its global 10th anniversary, having established operations across China and several European markets since its founding in 2014.
Follow us on
