World's fastest EV: the NIO EP9 22 | 11 | 2016
IF YOU THINK electric cars are slow, then perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate your thoughts. This is the NextEV NIO EP9, the world’s fastest fastest electric supercar.
Unveiled in London, it’s already set a new lap record at the 20.8km Nürburgring Nordschliefe, clocking 7m 05.12s to beat the previous EV lap record.
It’s also smashed the EV record at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, registering a time of 1m 52.78s, eclipsing the previous record of 2m 40s.
With four high-performance inboard motors and four individual gearboxes,the EP9 delivers 1-MegaWatt of power, equivalent to 1360PS. The EP9 accelerates from 0-124mph in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 194mph.
With an interchangeable battery system, the EP9 is designed to be charged in 45 minutes and has a range of 265 miles.
The carbon cockpit and chassis embodies a new approach to performance vehicle design to handle the physical demands of a car with 3G cornering capabilities, with added structural solidity and aero efficiency. The EP9 is capable of achieving 24,000 Newtons of downforce at 150mph.
“Today we launched our electric supercar that broke the record at the Nordschliefe,” NextEV founder and chairman, William Li, said.
“The NIO EP9 was born to push limits and is the first stage of automotive production for NIO. It is a statement of our vision and technical and manufacturing capabilities.
“It is a best-in-class product that showcases what is possible with electric vehicles. We believe that when the car ownership experience exceeds expectations, electric vehicles will become the natural choice for everyone, leading to a more sustainable tomorrow. And with that, our vision of a blue sky will come true.”
Related: New VW e-Golf has 125-mile range
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Jim McGill