Nio has secured more than 40,000 locked-in orders for its third-generation ES8 SUV, surpassing the company’s stated production capacity for 2025, according to a report by domestic outlet LatePost citing a source close to management.
“The actual figure is significantly higher than that,” the source told LatePost, referring to the orders, which are backed by non-refundable deposits. The strong demand follows Nio’s launch of the ES8 at its annual Nio Day event in Hangzhou on Sunday.
Founder and CEO William Li said the model had exceeded performance expectations and promised annual capacity above 40,000 units. He added that customers who face delayed deliveries into 2026 would receive compensation, including subsidies to offset reduced government purchase tax incentives for new energy vehicles (NEVs). “If production constraints prevent fulfilling this year’s orders, the company will compensate consumers for losses,” Li said.
Unlike most of its rivals, Nio typically does not disclose pre-sale or firm order figures. Analysts, however, had estimated earlier demand. In September, Deutsche Bank said the ES8 had already attracted about 100,000 cancellable pre-orders.
The latest ES8, equipped with a 100-kWh battery pack, is priced from 406,800 yuan ($57,170), about 27% lower than the earlier generation. Under the company’s battery subscription scheme, the entry-level price is 298,800 yuan, down from 428,000 yuan.
Nio began deliveries of the ES8 immediately after the launch, with Li and co-founder Qin Lihong personally handing over the first batch of vehicles. The company previously outlined plans to ramp up production to 10,000 units per month in October and 15,000 units by December.
