NIO will officially launch in Norway, with the Scandinavian country playing host as the first European market for the Chinese electric car maker. The company said that five more European countries will follow before the end of 2021, without naming them.

The Chinese automaker, which was established in 2014, is best known for its battery-swapping technology, where instead of recharging battery packs, owners can have their cars’ batteries swapped in a matter of minutes.

Nio’s First Step In Europe

Nio’s European launch has been mooted since 2019. The brand intends to establish its entire line of products in the European market. In addition to offering a full range of EV’s Nio’s commitment includes developing the infrastructure to accommodate such cars.

Founder and CEO of NIO, William Li explained that the company has always maintained a global focus. “We have been operating our design centre in Munich since 2015, we have a performance team in Oxford, and we have our software team in San José in Silicon Valley,” said Li. “We now employ more than 9000 people from 45 countries. We were the first to enter the market in China. Now it’s about introducing our brand and our products in Europe.”

Read: Battery Swap Station Based In Beijing Previews NIO’s Next-Generation Tech

Premium SUVs & Sedans On Offer

The company will kick off its debut in Norway with the ES8. The ES8 is NIO’s flagship electric SUV. It features a dual-motor setup, eAWD, and three battery sizes, the largest of which has a capacity of 100 kWh and offers an NEDC-estimated range of up to 360 miles (580 km) under ideal driving conditions. The ES8 has 643 HP and 619 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque and sprints to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds. Orders for the ES8 will be open from July 2021, with deliveries commencing in September.

Following The ES8 will be the all-electric ET7 Sedan that is expected to release in 2022. Like the ES8, the ET7 is available in three battery configurations. The largest 150-kWh battery is said to provide a range of some 621 miles (1,000 km). The vehicle is rated at 644 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) is in 3.9 seconds.

See Also: The ET7 Is NIO’s First Electric Sedan

Power Swap And Nio App Coming To Europe Too 

NIO will also showcase its technological capabilities by introducing its famed Power Swap technology that will enable vehicle batteries to be replaced automatically within just three minutes. Four stations housing this tech are planned to be operational by the end of 2021, with more stations being introduced the following year, creating a network of five cities across the country. NIO is also committing to building its own supercharger network that will cover Norway.

Sales of NIO cars will take place online, with consumers directed to purchase cars via the NIO app, or website. However, NIO says that their “lifestyle locations” will handle aspects of offline distribution. NIO is also constructing the first “NIO House” to feature outside of China. Located in the center of Oslo, scheduled to open in the Summer, the Nio House is said to be a special meeting place for NIO users and fans of the brand. The 2000 square meter space will include dining options, a children’s playground, and conference rooms.

NIO also plans to integrate its technology into home applications too. They will offer European customers a home-based charging solution. Similarly, the Chinese company plans to position its brand as a true premium competitor. They will offer on-demand services via the NIO app. Owners will be able to access on-call service vehicles for minor repairs, while users will also be able to summon pick-up and drop-off agents to eliminate the need to visit service centers.