Images of the first electric vehicle (EV) under Nio’s upcoming mass-market brand, codenamed Alps, have surfaced in China, revealing a sleek coupe-SUV sporting an N-shaped logo and the English letters “ONVO”. The model, initially known by its codename DOM, is expected to be officially named L60.
While Nio has not yet officially confirmed the branding of its new venture, leaked images of the Onvo logo emerged last year in conjunction with Nio’s patenting of the name. The Chinese moniker for the brand is reported to be 乐道 (Ledao), with local media recently publishing a screenshot of Nomi, Nio’s in-car assistant, apparently verifying the new name.
The Onvo L60 is set to be built upon the new NT3 platform and will offer a swappable battery system. Details regarding its powertrain remain undisclosed, but industry observers anticipate a configuration featuring a single rear-wheel-drive motor. Battery capacity, likewise, remains a point of speculation, with current Nio models offering options of either 75 kW or 100 kW. Given Onvo’s positioning as a mass-market brand, it’s expected to offer lower-capacity battery packs, possibly in the range of 60 kWh to 90 kWh, according to analysis by Chinese outlet Autohome.
Spy shots of the vehicle reveal the presence of two high-definition cameras flanking the windshield, although the lidar technology appears to be absent.
Targeting the 200,000 to 300,000 yuan (approximately 27,800 to 41,700 USD) market segment, the Onvo brand aims to occupy a position just below Nio-branded vehicles. William Li, Nio’s founder and CEO, has disclosed plans for the official unveiling of Onvo in the second quarter, with a launch slated for the third quarter and deliveries expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.
Looking ahead, Nio plans to introduce another brand in 2025, codenamed Firefly, which will cater to the European market with a focus on small cars. The first EV under the Firefly banner was recently spotted undergoing road tests under heavy camouflage, signaling Nio’s ambitions to compete against established models such as the VW ID.3, Zekr X, and BYD Yuan UP.
Onvo is set to establish its own dedicated sales network, while its after-sales services will be integrated into Nio’s existing aftersales system. Positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model Y, William Li has urged prospective customers considering the Tesla SUV to await the launch of the Onvo L60. Previous spy shots of the Onvo, concealed in camouflage, featured messaging on the rear windshield proclaiming it to be “Better than Model Y.”
Furthermore, Li has announced plans for the Onvo’s inaugural SUV to be priced 10% lower than the Model Y, while also boasting additional amenities such as a refrigerator, TV, or spacious seating arrangements.
