Chinese electric automaker NIO has just rolled the first mass-produced 900V electric drive system (EDS), Thunder, off the manufacturing line on March 27.
According to Car News China, this significant milestone coincided with the company’s production of its one-millionth EDS.
What’s special about NIO’s 900V drive system?
NIO “Thunder” 900V EDS’ front and rear axle electric motors are reportedly 30% lighter. In addition, NIO also cut their longitudinal size by 280 mm.
The company believes Thunder’s lightweight design improves an electric car’s overall energy consumption. Moreover, its small size expands the space in the car’s cabin.
Thunder can add over 150 miles (255 km) in just five minutes. NIO claims the ET9 utilizes the world’s first 925V W-Pin synchronous permanent magnet e-motor. It yields a maximum power output of 340 kW. Its weight is only 79 kg, achieving a power density of 4.3 kW/kg.
The front axle features an asynchronous induction motor with a maximum power of 180 kW and power density of 2.6 kW/kg. NIO claims that it boasts the highest power density among asynchronous electric motors in the world.
However, it must be noted that Thunder is not really the “world’s first 900V EDS.”
NIO ET9 to become the first NIO model equipped with 900V EDS
NIO’s ET9 electric car is set to become the first model to use this cutting-edge 900V drive system when it hits the market in the first quarter of 2025.
The ET9, NIO’s flagship electric car, was introduced on NIO Day 2023 last December. NIO has already opened pre-orders for the upcoming ET0, which has a base price of 800,000 yuan ($110,000).
The NIO ET9 features a 120-kWh battery, yielding a maximum power output of 520 kW (697 horsepower).
Lucid Air is the world’s first production car with 900V EDS
Despite the claims that NIO’s Thunder EDS is the world’s first 900V system, Lucid Motors contends that the Lucid Air is the first production electric car with a 900V architecture.
According to the American electric automaker, the Lucid Air has been in production since 2021. It has a fast charging capability, which adds 300 miles of driving range in just 21 minutes. It also supports battery swap technology, which enables a 3-minute battery replenishment.
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