Onvo, a sub-brand of Nio Inc, is preparing to introduce LiDAR technology on an updated version of its L90 large electric SUV, according to regulatory documents published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The updated specifications show that the revised Onvo L90 will be equipped with a roof-mounted LiDAR unit positioned at the centre of the vehicle, similar to the configuration used on models sold under the Nio main brand. Neither of Onvo’s current production vehicles—the L60 midsize SUV and the existing L90—feature LiDAR, relying instead on camera-based driver assistance systems.
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The LiDAR-equipped L90 is scheduled for launch in the second quarter and will be priced higher than the current version, according to information disclosed by the company. The existing L90, which uses a vision-only smart driving system, will remain on sale and continue to receive over-the-air software updates.
The Onvo L90 currently starts at 265,800 yuan ($36,060) when sold with the battery included. Under Nio’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) programme, the starting price is reduced to 179,800 yuan, with a monthly battery rental fee of 899 yuan.
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Beyond the addition of LiDAR, the regulatory filing indicates that the updated L90 will offer a two-tone exterior paint option, a styling approach also adopted by Nio for its ET9 flagship sedan. Rear badging shown in the documents includes both L90 and L80 designations, suggesting the L80—previously disclosed as a five-seat variant of the L90—may also receive LiDAR and similar design updates. The L90 is currently offered in six-seat and seven-seat configurations.
LiDAR technology was initially limited to premium vehicles in China due to cost, but wider adoption has followed falling prices and rising production volumes. Major suppliers such as Hesai Group and RoboSense reported peak monthly shipments above 200,000 units and 180,000 units respectively in 2025. Nio’s current LiDAR supplier is Seyond, which listed in Hong Kong in December.
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Onvo had planned to launch the L80 in 2025 but postponed the rollout due to production constraints linked to strong demand for the L90 and Nio’s ES8. The latest filing suggests the brand is now moving ahead with technology upgrades as competition intensifies in China’s large electric SUV market.