• Allowing customers to lock in configurations in advance will help reduce hesitation when the all-new ES8 officially opens for orders on September 20.
• Nio recommends customers choose the BaaS plan, saying that only after continuously renting the battery for 8 years would the total cost exceed the full vehicle purchase price.

Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) has begun letting Chinese consumers configure their third-generation ES8 SUV (sport utility vehicle) to secure early orders for the model.

The new ES8 configurator and wish list are now officially open, the electric vehicle (EV) maker announced today on its mobile app.

Nio began allowing customers to test drive the third-generation ES8 two days ago on September 10. The model's official launch will occur at Nio Day 2025 on September 20.

Last night, Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li said on Weibo that stores have been exceptionally busy since opening test drives for the new ES8.

To accommodate test drive demand, all stores in China have extended closing times, with some locations scheduling test drives until 1:00 am, according to Li.

Nio recommends customers choose the six-seat Executive Signature Edition of the third-generation ES8, featuring intelligent high-definition projection headlights, smart dimming privacy glass, 22-inch forged alloy wheels, high-performance four-piston orange calipers, and an exclusive design package.

The company offers the new ES8 in six exterior colors and four interior color schemes, with three wheel rim styles available.

Nio recommends the BaaS (Battery as a Service) plan for users requiring more flexible cash flow or frequent vehicle upgrades.

The plan lowers the purchase threshold by RMB 108,000 ($15,170), reduces taxes and annual insurance costs, resulting in lower overall ownership expenses, it said.

For the new ES8, under the BaaS plan, the monthly battery rental fee is RMB 1,128. Only after continuously renting the battery for 8 years would the total cost exceed the full vehicle purchase price, Nio explains on its mobile app.

"If you plan to hold the vehicle long-term and seek full ownership of the asset, purchasing the entire vehicle will be more economical over the long run," the company stated.

The third-generation ES8 comes standard with a 100-kWh battery pack, with pre-sales pricing starting at RMB 416,800, including the battery pack.

Under the BaaS plan, its starting price is RMB 308,800.

Allowing customers to lock in configurations early will give them more time to consider options, reducing hesitation when the all-new ES8 officially opens for orders.

Nio will host Nio Day 2025 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang on September 20, with the main event running from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Beijing time.

The third-generation ES8 is expected to begin accepting orders around 10:00 pm that night, following the official price announcement.

($1 = RMB 7.1209)