Nio officially debuts the ES6, Tesla’s main rival in China

Chinese car manufacturer Nio has finally taken the wraps off the ES6, its second mass-produced vehicle and alleged “Tesla archrival”.

The ES6 is more affordable than its predecessor and should therefore attract a larger customer base.

According to various representatives of the company, the car is pretty much a Tesla clone, since it also comes packed to the brim with breakthrough tech.

The bodywork of the Nio ES6 involves aeronautical-grade aluminum and carbon. Its all-electric powertrain consists of two engines that support on-demand power supply. The latter ensures high power savings when full performance isn’t necessary along with up to 536 hp (400 kW) when it is.

More specifically, the car routinely only uses a single engine rated at 215 hp (160 kW). The other engine springs into action during rapid acceleration phases and when driving at high speeds.

The Nio ES6 comes with an 84 kWh battery rated for 510 kilometers (315 miles) of uninterrupted driving. It sprints 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and is electronically-capped at 200 km/h (125 mph).

The company plans to sell the entry-level model (single engine, 214 hp / 160 kW) for U.S. $51,800. Higher trims will start at U.S. $64,800. Sales begin next summer.

Photo: carscoops.com