Driving a NIO for three years, let me explain why I chose to buy it at that time.

What is your budget for buying a car?

$400,000+

How much did you spend on the car in total?

Car and insurance, the total is $470,000.

How long did you wait to get your car?

Within a month

There was a car in stock at that time, so it took about two weeks to transport it.

Is this your first car?

No

Before, I had a Volkswagen sedan.

Is this the first time you buy a new energy vehicle?

Yes

At that time, I just wanted to buy an electric car because electric cars are smarter.

Do you have a home charging station?

Yes

I installed a charging station in the underground parking lot, it’s charging now.

Why did you want to change cars?

After having children, I feel that the space in the sedan is not enough, so I wanted to change cars.

What cars did you consider before buying it?

Tesla Mx, but the budget was too high.

What score would you give to its appearance?

Looks impressive

The design is original and not plagiarized, and I think NIO’s design is very durable.

Are you satisfied with its space?

Exceeded expectationsAs a 7-seater SUV, its space is among the best in its class.

What do you think of its performance?

Excellent performance

The 2018 model can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds!

How would you rate its advanced driving assistance system?

Frequently used

I would only use the advanced driving assistance system on closed roadways. I opted for this feature when I bought the car. I believe that the system is like an APP installed on a smartphone, and only when installed can the system show the value of an intelligent electric car.

How does it perform in terms of power consumption and range?

Average but acceptable

The large motor results in high power consumption.

Are you satisfied with its infotainment system?

As expected

As a product from 2018, I would say that it’s “still usable.” Fortunately, NIO supports hardware upgrades, which can bring significant improvements to the car.

How often do you charge the car?

I mainly use battery swaps during daily use.

Name three aspects that could be improved:

I hope the car could offer a single-motor mode, and bring more luxury to the interior.

Name three aspects that you’re most satisfied with:

Battery swapping, hardware upgradeable battery, and a comprehensive service system.

Share your driving experience:

The NIO ES8 is my first electric car, and I am nearing 100,000km on it.🔹 The “low” cost of electric car usage

I used to drive a seven-seater SUV and had to fill up once a week, and those days of constantly having to refuel really left an impression (losing hundreds of dollars just like that!). Switching to an electric car has indeed saved me a lot of money! Previously, driving 10,000 kilometers could cost almost 10,000 dollars in fuel expenses. Now, running the same distance with an electric car may cost less than a tenth of that expense. Furthermore, if you go to exchange your battery for free, you may not even need to spend a single penny!

Not only is the electricity bill cheaper than the gas bill, but maintenance and repairs on electric cars are also cheaper than those on equivalent gasoline cars. Electric cars do not have gearboxes or internal combustion engines, so maintenance on an electric car will only cost a few hundred dollars annually or every 20,000 kilometers. However, for an equivalent gasoline car, a minor maintenance service can cost up to thousands of dollars. It feels almost like it’s free!

In addition, NIO’s unlimited-mileage, long-term warranty service means that as a NIO car owner, you no longer have to worry about the car accumulating too much mileage and incurring repair fees.

🔹 Electric cars only come in two categories: those with battery exchange capabilities and those without

Battery exchange capability not only solves the issue of electric car battery maintenance, but also truly eliminates range anxiety for users. This August, when I went on a road trip with my NIO from Liaoning to Hangzhou, I had an identical experience to that of traditional gasoline cars. The only difference was the cost savings associated with driving an electric car. We were able to complete our battery exchanges in just a few minutes at the service areas or hotels near the highway exits. Other electric cars on the market lack this kind of experience. Therefore, in my experience, electric cars can only be classified as either battery exchange-capable or not.

🔹 100,000 kilometers, feels so secure

As I approach the 100,000 kilometer mark, this car has been a reliable companion. During the 100,000-kilometer journey, driving a NIO truly gives me peace of mind. NIO’s service is consistently reliable and reassuring. No matter where I am, no matter what problem I encounter, a call to NIO and they will do their best to resolve the issue. I remember when my tires were punctured a few times, they arranged for a service vehicle to come out and repair my tires as soon as possible, ensuring my driving was not impacted. Fellow car owners have also experienced this kind of heartwarming support. I believe many people will only truly understand this kind of warmheartedness until they have experienced it for themselves!

This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.