NIO, the prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is making significant strides towards entering the competitive smartphone market. Following months of speculation and rumours, NIO CEO William Li confirmed the company’s interest in developing its own mobile phones in March of last year. The move was envisioned as a means to enhance the overall ownership experience by offering seamless vehicle integration and improved connectivity.
In line with its long-term strategic vision spanning five to ten years, NIO decided to pursue its ambitions in the smartphone sector. This endeavour recently reached a crucial milestone, paving the way for the upcoming launch of their first smartphone, aptly named “NIO Phone.”
The turning point came on July 10 when NIO received the license to access the internet in China, as reported by CnevPost. This approval marked the last major hurdle for the NIO Phone’s commercial availability in the country. Notably, the license is valid until July 10, 2025, granting NIO ample time to make its mark in the smartphone market.
The forthcoming NIO Phone is set to run on the Android operating system, equipped with 5G support and dual-SIM card capacity, promising users a seamless and advanced communication experience. As per standard practices, a new phone launch in China typically takes around a month after securing its network access license.
CEO William Li previously affirmed that NIO’s maiden smartphone will hit the market during the third quarter of 2023, with deliveries commencing in the same period. The anticipation for NIO Phone has been building since it was showcased during the NIO Day 2022 event, where two cell phones were displayed alongside the unveiling of the ES8.
Amidst this mobile venture, NIO’s EV sales have seen an impressive surge. In July, the company achieved a record-breaking delivery of 20,462 EVs, signifying a remarkable 103.6% growth from the previous month. The success can be attributed to the launch of NIO’s new ES6, which set a new monthly sales record for a single model.
Throughout the first seven months of this year, NIO has already delivered 75,023 EV units, and the company foresees further momentum with the introduction of several new models. Among them is the ET5 Touring, NIO’s inaugural electric station wagon designed exclusively for the European market.
As NIO prepares to venture into the smartphone industry, all eyes are on the anticipated launch of the NIO Phone in the third quarter of 2023. The potential synergies between NIO’s expertise in electric vehicles and the evolving mobile technology landscape have captured the attention of both consumers and industry observers alike.
