Nio’s sub-brand, Onvo, is poised to shake up the electric SUV market with it’s second model, the L90. Just a week away from its grand unveiling at the Shanghai Auto Show, the L90 has been making waves after being included in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regulatory catalog.

This inclusion signals a crucial step towards the L90 hitting the Chinese market. “Entry into the catalog is the last major regulatory process by which a model can be allowed to be sold in China,” according to sources familiar with the matter. the public can submit feedback on the design and specifications between April 17-23, offering a window for potential refinements before the official launch.

Two Flavors of Electric Power: Single and Dual Motor Options

The Onvo L90 will be available in two distinct configurations: a single-motor,rear-wheel-drive version and a dual-motor,all-wheel-drive variant.Both models will feature a spacious six-seat layout, catering to the growing demand for family-amiable SUVs, a trend that resonates strongly with American consumers.

The models, identified as NAL6513BSEVZ1 and NAL6513BSEVZ2, will be manufactured at Nio’s F2 plant located at 299 Baita Road, Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone, Anhui. This strategic location underscores nio’s commitment to expanding its production capacity and solidifying its presence in the burgeoning Chinese EV market.

Dimensions and Performance: A Deep Dive

The Onvo L90 boasts remarkable dimensions, measuring 5,145 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,766/1,786 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. These figures position the L90 as a substantial vehicle, comparable to the Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator in terms of size, appealing to U.S. consumers who value spaciousness.

With a curb weight ranging from 2,250 kg to 2,385 kg, the L90’s weight variations are likely attributable to its support for battery swapping technology. This innovative feature allows the vehicle to accommodate battery packs of varying weights, offering versatility and convenience for drivers. The Onvo L90 also boasts a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour, catering to those seeking both performance and practicality.

Power Under the hood: Nio’s XPT Electric Motors

The Onvo L90’s electric powertrain is supplied by Nio’s electric motor division, XPT. The single-motor version features a robust rear motor delivering a peak power of 340 kW, while the dual-motor variant adds a front motor with a peak power of 100 kW, providing enhanced traction and performance.

Battery Options and Range: What to Expect

Similar to Onvo’s first model, the L60, the L90 offers battery options from leading manufacturers such as BYD, CATL, and CALB, available in both lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and Li-ion ternary chemistries. While the MIIT filing doesn’t explicitly mention battery pack capacity, Onvo president Shen Fei revealed on Weibo that the new SUV will come standard with an 85 kWh battery pack.

This differs from the L60,which features a 60 kWh standard battery,with the 85 kWh pack offered as a long-range option. “This move will be different from what Onvo did with the L60, which came standard with a 60-kWh capacity battery pack, while the 85-kWh pack is an optional long-range battery pack,” sources confirmed. This strategic decision reflects the L90’s positioning as a larger SUV, requiring greater energy capacity to deliver competitive range numbers.

Leadership Transition and market Positioning

the L90’s launch marks a pivotal moment for Onvo,as it represents the first model introduced under the leadership of Shen Fei,who succeeded Alan Ai as president of the Nio sub-brand. Ai’s departure on April 2 followed the L60’s underperformance as its launch in September 2024. The Onvo L90,aimed at large families,is set to be unveiled at the Shanghai auto show,which starts on April 23,with an official launch in the third quarter,Nio management previously said.

Shen Fei, head of Nio Power, replaces Ai as president of Onvo and reports to Nio co-founder and president Qin Lihong.

Official Images Released: A Glimpse of the Future

Onvo has shared several official images of the L90 on its social media channels, offering a sneak peek at the vehicle’s design and features:

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Potential Counterarguments and considerations

While the Onvo L90 appears promising, potential challenges remain.Competition in the electric SUV market is fierce, with established players like Tesla and Rivian already vying for market share. Furthermore, the L90’s success will depend on its pricing strategy and ability to deliver a compelling value proposition to consumers.

Moreover, the L60’s underperformance raises questions about Onvo’s brand recognition and marketing effectiveness. Overcoming these hurdles will be crucial for the L90 to achieve its full potential and establish Onvo as a leading player in the electric SUV segment.