Nio ET7 Achieves 0.208 Drag Coefficient; Second Best After Mercedes-Benz EQS

Chinese EV major Nio has revealed that its upcoming ET7 sedan will feature a drag coefficient of 0.208 which is the second-best figure for an EV after the EQS 450+ which has a drag coefficient of 0.200. The EQS 580 4Matic has a drag coefficient of 0.209 and the Lucid Air has a drag coefficient of 0.21. Nio had originally expected a drag coefficient of 0.23 but after 800 CFD simulation cases and 120 hours of wind tunnel testing, it improved it further.

"The aerodynamics team of NIO has been deeply engaged in the design and engineering of the ET7 since the very beginning. With ergonomics and cabin comfort uncompromised, the ET7's front windshield inclination angle, radii and angles between the headlights and the front fenders, fastback design and ducktail spoiler, C pillar character lines, approach and departure angles, and wheels are optimised to make the model more aerodynamic," revealed the Chinese automaker.

The car has the 2nd best drag coefficient for an EV

"In the meantime, the Watchtower sensor layout on the roof, on the one hand, enables a more commanding view of the ultralong-range high-resolution LiDAR and 8-megapixel high-resolution cameras, and redefines the exterior design in the autonomous driving era, yet, on the other hand, it also poses a huge challenge to the vehicle's aero efficiency. The aerodynamics team has spared no efforts in perfecting the inclination and radii of the LiDAR and cameras and excelling its aerodynamic performance. Apart from that, the active grille shutter(AGS) and air suspension that come standard on the ET7, and the light-weight underbody coverage further boost the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, making a perfect combination of aesthetics and aerodynamics," Nio added.

Also Read: Lucid Air Gets Highest Ever EPA Range For An EV

Aerodynamic efficiency is critical for EVs as it not only impacts performance but also range. Nio claims that the 150 kWh battery option of the ET7 which will launch in late 2022 will enable the car to achieve a whopping range of 1,000 kilometres as per NEDC. NEDC metrics are inferior to the EPA in the US. Recently, it rated the Lucid Air as having the best range of any EV tested in the US of 837 km and, likely it will retain that lead over Nio.