A Major Milestone: Nio’s Sub-Brand Onvo Celebrates Its 100,000th Vehicle — But What Does This Mean for the EV Market?
In a move that highlights just how fast China’s EV industry is accelerating, Nio’s sub-brand Onvo has officially rolled out its 100,000th mass-produced car — a landmark that signals both momentum and ambition. But here’s where it gets even more interesting: Onvo is achieving this feat in record time, and it’s not just about production numbers — it’s about redefining how mainstream electric vehicles compete with giants like Tesla.
According to data from CnEVPost, Onvo expects to deliver its 100,000th vehicle this weekend, pushing total October deliveries to roughly 9,721 units. By the end of September, the brand had already shipped 90,279 vehicles, consisting of 68,707 L60s and 21,572 L90s — impressive figures for a sub-brand that’s barely a year and a half old.
In September alone, Onvo delivered 15,246 vehicles, which accounted for nearly 44% of Nio’s total monthly sales of 34,749 units. This suggests that Onvo isn’t just supplementing Nio’s business — it’s fast becoming a key driver of growth.
Let’s talk models. Onvo’s firstborn, the L60 electric SUV, is a five-seater positioned to rival Tesla’s Model Y. It debuted in September 2024 and quickly became a cornerstone of the brand’s lineup. To celebrate its one-year anniversary this past September, Onvo launched an updated L60 — keeping prices steady but improving efficiency, range, and in-cabin technology. The upgraded model still features a 60-kWh standard battery pack, starting at RMB 206,900 (≈$29,030), or RMB 149,900 under the company’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) plan with monthly battery rentals from RMB 599. The L60’s success is undeniable, with 68,707 units delivered by September’s end.
Then comes the L90, Onvo’s larger six- or seven-seat SUV, introduced on July 31, 2025. Deliveries began just a day later, on August 1. In its first two months, it achieved 10,575 and 10,997 deliveries, respectively — strong numbers that show growing consumer trust. The L90 features an 85-kWh long-range battery, with a starting price of RMB 265,800 (including battery) or RMB 179,800 under BaaS, where the monthly battery rental costs RMB 899. That’s considered highly competitive for its segment.
All this aligns with Nio’s broader strategy: expanding beyond its premium market roots into a more affordable, mass-market space. Onvo, officially launched in May 2024, is the company’s bold attempt to capture families and first-time EV buyers — the very audience Tesla’s Model Y dominates globally.
But here’s the question many are asking — can Onvo sustain this pace without diluting Nio’s premium image? Some industry observers suggest that the overlap between Nio’s luxury line and Onvo’s accessible offerings could blur brand identity. Others argue it’s a masterstroke: Nio gets to tap both high-end and mass-market segments simultaneously.
Meanwhile, Nio’s main brand continues to thrive — its ES8 deliveries in September reached their highest volume since January 2019, ranking as the company’s third-best-performing model.
So, what do you think — is Onvo’s explosive rise proof that China’s EV market has mastered the balance between luxury and affordability? Or could this rapid growth create internal competition for Nio itself? Share your thoughts below — do you see Onvo as a true Tesla rival, or just another fast-burning trend in the crowded EV landscape?
