Nio U.S. launch preparations begin, claims report [Update]

Update: Story updated with new information from heise Autos and CnEVPost.

After entering Europe in 2021, Nio’s next goal in overseas expansion is launching EVs in the U.S. According to a report EV published on August 14, 2022, the wheels are in motion for the highly anticipated Nio U.S. launch.

At the Nio Day 2021 event held on December 18, 2021, Nio confirmed it aims to be present in over 25 countries and regions globally, including the U.S. Later, two sources told EV that the company plans to enter the U.S. in 2025.

On the battery swap station plans

Nio was going to install a Nio Power battery swap station for testing purposes in the country as early as November 2022 and begin launch preparations well in advance, as per the report. The first U.S. Nio Power outlet was to be located in a new area behind its R&D center in San Jose, California, which it uses to develop its autonomous driving technologies. The company was in the process of obtaining this location.

November 2022 has come and gone, and we haven’t heard of a Nio battery swap station in the U.S. yet. However, in an interview with heise Autos, Bin Li, founder, Chairman, and CEO, Nio, indicated the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) becoming law has pushed back Nio’s U.S. launch, the German publication reported on November 10, 2022. It planned to “become active” in the country at the end of 2025, but the IRA has made it more difficult for foreign companies “to produce and enter the market,” Li said.

On the American competition

On November 29, 2022, CnEVPost reported that Li has said the next-gen Nio electric cars will be available in the U.S. He reportedly feels Nio needs to ensure its competitors, including Ford, don’t get ahead in the EV race. In October 2022, Nio launched its models in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands on a subscription basis. The company began deliveries in the region the same month.

On the hiring

Nio has 60 job vacancies in the country, and one of them is related to a potential U.S. Nio House. By July 19, 2022, the company was looking for a Senior Real Estate manager who would be responsible for the “site selection and negotiation of lease terms for new locations.” Another related position it was hiring for by then was a Head of Construction, to “drive the construction and development strategy of NIO Houses.” On August 13, 2022, Li visited the U.S. facility. He didn’t provide a Nio U.S. launch update, though.

Featured Image Source: Nio