Nio's Onvo L60 is a budget-friendly electric SUV with a catch

The Onvo L60, the first offering from Nio's budget-friendly Onvo brand, launched pre-sales in May with an attractive starting price of RMB 219,900 (just over $30,200). Recently released information from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveals a bit of a surprise: the initial release of the L60 will only feature a 60.6 kWh battery pack.

This smaller battery pack translates to a range of 345 miles for the single-motor configuration and 311 miles for the dual-motor version. These are CLTC numbers, and as always, they need to be taken with a giant pinch of salt. This is a significant departure from earlier expectations of a 90 kWh battery option that would have boosted the range to around 454 miles.

Despite the smaller battery, the L60 boasts impressive energy efficiency, consuming as little as 12.1 kWh/62 miles. This efficiency is partly due to the car's sleek design, which features a drag coefficient of Cd 0.229 - even better than the Tesla Model Y's Cd 0.236. Other design elements contributing to the L60's aerodynamic profile include aero-friendly wheels and hidden door handles, all created under the direction of former Bentley designer Raul Pires.

The L60's interior takes design cues from the Tesla Model Y, featuring a minimalist aesthetic with a single central screen for all controls and information. Unlike other Nio models, the L60's screen is horizontally oriented.

The L60 measures 190.1 inches in length, 76 inches in width, and 63.6 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 2950 mm. Single-motor versions will feature a 240 kW rear-axle motor, while all-wheel-drive models will add a 100 kW motor to the front axle. Production of the Onvo L60 will take place at Nio's second Hefei plant, known as F2.

While the Onvo L60's limited battery capacity might be a drawback for some, its competitive price, energy efficiency, and stylish design make it an intriguing contender in the ever-growing EV market. Whether the L60's strengths outweigh its limitations will depend on individual buyer needs and preferences. Is it a gamble for Nio to first release the most affordable model? Maybe it is, but most auto brands start from the top-of-the-range versions, with customers waiting for months for more affordable variants. Nio doesn't really follow the rules and walks its own path.

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