Nio has started testing the first model from its new entry-level Alps brand in China ahead of an expected launch in around October.
In news that won’t surprise anyone, Alps’ first model is expected to be an SUV. This vehicle is currently known as the DOM, and the first prototype was snapped in the middle of last year. Much of the design remains unknown, due to the heavy camouflage adorning the exterior but it should be similar in size to the likes of the Tesla Model Y and BYD Seal U.
A Weibo user recently snapped an Alps-branded sedan in China. That prototype was also bathed in body cladding but it appears as though it will adopt a liftback-style design and what appears to be a relatively spacious interior. We can also see the EV has quite a long hood and large side windows but other than that, very little else about its design is known at this time.
What we do know is that both the SUV and sedan models will be underpinned by Nio’s third-generation NT 3.0 platform. The new models are expected to be available with 60 kWh and 90 kWh battery packs and offered with a handful of different electric motor options, Car News China reports.
Read: Nio To Launch Entry-Level Firefly Brand In Europe In 2025
Although the Alps models will share parts with existing Nio models, they will be significantly cheaper. Prices are expected to start at around 250,000 yuan ($34,000) whereas the entry-level Nio ET5 starts at over 320,000 yuan ($45,000). A key point of difference between Alps models and those from Nio is that they will not use the advanced, but expensive, Lidar sensors.
Alps isn’t the only new brand that Nio is working on. The company is launching a second one known as Firefly, aimed at building models priced between 100,000 yuan ($14,000) and 200,000 yuan ($28,000). Both the Alps and Firefly brands will be available in Europe.
