Chinese electric automaker NIO has just revealed one of the enticing capabilities of its new ET9 ultra-premium executive vehicle, an active suspension system that literally shakes off the snow and ice from its body.
NIO’s solution to snow-induced issues in EVs
Electric vehicles usually come with a preheating or precooling system that activates by just setting the climate control system before driving or by pushing some buttons on a mobile app.
For instance, Tesla cars can de-ice their windows to ensure safer driving. However, these approaches may be challenging to employ for electric cars already covered in snow.
In response, NIO developed a brilliant solution with the ET9‘s SkyRide fully active suspension system. It’s trick chassis and 900-volt architecture enable its upcoming flagship electric SUV to simply shake off the snow off its body.
What’s currently known about the NIO ET9?
Apart from NIO ET9’s vibrating chassis system, the luxury electric SUV also comes with multiple remarkable technologies to entice prospective buyers.
NIO boasts that the upcoming model can enable a superior driving experience “akin to traveling on a flat surface,” even on uneven roads. Its fully active suspension can apparently adjust the ride height and damping sharpness almost instantly.
You can watch how this particular feature works in a previous video released by NIO, showcasing the ET9’s capability to drive over speed bumps while carrying multiple glasses filled with champagne on its hood. In addition, it also offers steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering.
In addition, it will ride on the “industry-leading” 900V platform that reduces overall weight while improving the charging capability.
Pricing and availability
The upcoming NIO ET9 is expected to hit a base price of approximately RMB 800,000 or about $112,000.
It is already available for pre-order in the Chinese electric vehicle market. However, its customer deliveries are not set to kick off until early 2025.
The new luxury flagship model will challenge the likes of the Mercedes EQS, BMW i7, Porsche Panamera, Tesla Model S, and Lucid Air when it hits the market.
