Chinese start up NextEV finally unveiled its stunning all-electric hypercar, the EP9, under global sub-brand NIO at London's Saatchi gallery on Monday. A sleek, eye-catching build is complemented by a truly impressive feat: Being the fastest electric vehicle (EV) ever made, according to its creators.
The stylish hypercar has a stellar track record to back up NextEV's claims. It's been tested on two of Europe's most prestigious and challenging race tracks, and emerged victorious in both: Paul Ricard in France and the Nürburgring Nordschliefe in Germany. In the former, the previous record held by an EV clocked in at 2 minutes and 40 seconds, which NextEV's EP9 handily beat by almost a full minute last Nov. 4 at 1 minute and 52 seconds. In Germany last Oc. 12, the EP9 also bested the previous record at the race track, also known as "Green Hell," at 7 minutes and 5 seconds.
NextEV's NIO is gearing up to sell its first mass-produced electric cars in China next year, with this year's EP9 electric hypercar designed to build hype for the up-and-coming brand, according to Auto Express. Six models of the EP9 will be produced, reportedly costing $1.2 million each, and are going solely to NextEV's founding investors for use on racecar tracks.
The EP9 can reach 62 mph from rest in a mere 2.7 seconds and be running at 125 mph in just 7.1, which is actually slightly slower than electric rival Tesla Model S P100D. Its 1MW, or 1340 bhp, powertrain will hit top speeds of 194 mph, travel an impressive range of 260 miles and reach its full charge in just 45 minutes, according to Current E.
NextEV's breakthrough car also boasts four inboard motors and gearboxes, as well as lithium ion batteries. Completing the electric hypercar is an e-control structure and sensor system layout compatible with autonomous driving, aero efficiency and a carbon cockpit.
NextEV's chairman and founder William Li said the NIO EP9 was created "to push limits" and is a "best-in-class product that showcases what is possible with electric vehicles." Li promised the car would surpass expectations and push the general public toward an electric car-only future.
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