Photos emerge of NIO’s new mass-market ‘Alps’ EV competitor to Toyota and VW
The first photos of NIO’s new “Alps” brand have allegedly emerged online. The new EV brand is designed to take NIO mainstream, positioning itself to compete with automaking giants like Toyota and Volkswagen in the mass-market segment.
NIO’s new Alps mass-market EV brand surfaces
NIO CEO William Li confirmed the company would launch a new mass-market brand in August 2021.
Li said during the company’s Q2 2021 earnings call, “We’ll enter the mass market with a new brand. The quoting of the new brand has been assembled, marking the first step of the strategic initiative of NIO.”
Although local media outlet 36kr reported in July 2021 that NIO had been considering a sub-brand initially called “TV” for Toyota and Volkswagen, the codename changed to “Alps” to avoid complications.
According to the report, Toyota and VW are the highest-selling automakers, and the Alps are Europe’s tallest mountain range.
NIO’s leader compared the relationship between NIO and the new brand to Volkswagen and Audi or Lexus with Toyota. But he said this is more about the positioning of the brands. The brand will differentiate itself rather than using a Tesla-like strategy with the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X.
NIO currently targets the $50,000 to $100,000 market segment, but its new mainstream EV brand would be priced around $30,000 to $50,000.
The new brand will be based on NIO’s new tech (NT) platform 3.0, with in-house batteries developed for the mass-market models. Li said the company believes the Alps brand can “sell probably 50,000 units per month” with one model.
More recently, on the company’s first-quarter earnings, Li mentioned that NIO is still planning to launch the Alps EV brand in the second half of 2024, but the focus was on moving models to the new NT 2.0 platform (like the new ES6 pictured above) and ensuring a smooth launch.
The first alleged spy photos emerging out of China suggest NIO’s first EV from the Alp brand is under development.
The images posted on Weibo show a heavily camouflaged vehicle that appears to be a sedan but could pose as a potential crossover. We should point out that the design looks eerily similar to the NIO ET7 with slight variations. It doesn’t have a LiDAR on the roof but does include a camera under the windshield, indicating a smart drive system.
Electrek’s Take
With NIO’s positioning as a premium EV maker, a cheaper mass-market sub-brand would make sense. Volkswagen and Toyota are the largest automakers but are losing market share as the industry transitions to electric quicker than many predicted.
A more affordable brand could help expand NIO’s user base beyond premium customers, reaching new markets. Li has already confirmed NIO will launch the new mass-market brand in Europe.
Not only is NIO looking to take on legacy automakers, but car makers in China like BYD are rapidly expanding, with low-cost EVs like the Dolphin starting at around $33,000.
BYD is vertically integrated, allowing it to offer electric models at these prices. NIO says it’s working to establish this. Check back for more info on NIO’s upcoming Alps mass-market brand as it approaches its official launch.
Source: CnEVPost, Weibo
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Last week, we reported that the e-bike world had a new motor claiming to be the lightest and most efficient. Now, we’re already seeing TQ’s new TQHPR40 motor proliferate on more road and gravel e-bikes, including the recently announced E-ASTR from Ridely.
Ridley’s new E‑ASTR brings lightweight electric assistance to its already impressive ASTR gravel platform, powered by the cutting-edge TQ HPR40 mid-drive system. Unlike bulkier e‑bike setups, this system adds just 1.17 kg (2.6 lb) at the crank and a discreet 1.46 kg (3.2 lb) and 290 Wh battery hidden within the downtube, keeping the frame’s silhouette nearly identical to the non-electric version of the same bike. According to BikeRumor, riders looking closely might spot only a slightly fatter downtube, internal cable routing, and a handlebar-end LED indicator, giving visual clues without shouting “electric bike.”
What the E‑ASTR gives up in sheer power from the petite motor, it gains in ride feel. The HPR40 is said to deliver a modest 40 Nm of torque and up to 200W of assist, or enough to smooth out climbs or offer a tailwind on gravel without overpowering the rider. With support cut off at 25 km/h (15.5 mph), pedal responsiveness remains natural and fluid. Combined with the ASTR’s race-inspired geometry, the bike looks to offer sharp handling and comfort suited to the rigors of modern gravel routes.
Ridley is currently offering the E‑ASTR in three spec levels: a value SRAM Apex XPLR AXS build €7,199 (or approximately US $8,500), a mid-range SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 1×13 version for €8,199 (or approximately US $9,700), and a top-tier Shimano GRX 2×12 Di2 model for €8,899 (or approximately US $10,500). Each features high-end drivetrains, integrated cockpit options, carbon wheels, and industry-standard gravel brakes and tires. With its race-ready frame and stealthy, lightweight e‑assistance, the E‑ASTR is positioning itself as a high-performance gravel machine that stays true to its roots, delivering help when needed, without overshadowing the rider.
Ultra-lightweight motors like the TQHPR40 are quietly reshaping the e-bike industry by making electric assistance almost invisible, both in looks and in feel. As systems shrink and integrate more seamlessly into traditional bike frames, they’re opening the door to new categories of performance-oriented e-bikes that preserve the ride dynamics of analog bikes while offering just enough support when it counts.
For riders who value a natural pedaling experience but still want a little help on climbs or longer days, and especially for aging riders who want to maintain their riding habits despite father time taking an impact on joints and muscles, these minimalist systems are proving that you don’t need a bulky battery or a massive motor to get the benefits of going electric. The result is a wave of stealthy, high-performance e-bikes that are less about replacing effort and more about enhancing the ride.
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After a month off trying to wrap our heads around all the chaos surrounding EVs, solar, and everything else in Washington, we’re back with the biggest EV news stories of the day from Tesla, Ford, Volvo, and everyone else on today’s hiatus-busting episode of Quick Charge!
It just gets worse and worse for the Tesla true believers – especially those willing to put their money where Elon’s mouth is! One believer is set to lose nearly $50,000 betting on Tesla’s ability to deliver a Robotaxi service by the end of June (didn’t happen), and the controversial CEO’s most recent spat with President Trump had TSLA down nearly 5% in pre-morning trading.
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Hyundai is getting ready to shake things up. A new electric crossover SUV, likely the Hyundai IONIQ 2, is set to debut in the coming months. It will sit below the Kona Electric as Hyundai expands its entry-level EV lineup.
Is Hyundai launching the IONIQ 2 in 2026?
After launching the Inster late last year, Hyundai is already preparing to introduce a new entry-level EV in Europe.
Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Europe, confirmed that the new EV will be revealed “in the next few months.” It will be built in Europe and scheduled to go on sale in mid-2026.
Hyundai’s new electric crossover is expected to be a twin to the Kia EV2, which will likely arrive just ahead of it next year.
It will be underpinned by the same E-GMP platform, which powers all IONIQ and Kia EV models (EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6, and EV9).
Like the Kia EV3, it will likely be available with either a 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh battery pack option. The former provides a WLTP range of 267 miles while the latter is rated with up to 372 miles. All trims are powered by a single electric motor at the front, producing 201 hp and 209 lb-ft of torque.
Although it may share the same underpinnings as the EV2, Hyundai’s new entry-level EV will feature an advanced new software and infotainment system.
According to Autocar, the interior will represent a “step change” in terms of usability and features. The new system enables new functions, such as ambient lighting and sounds that adjust depending on the drive mode.
It’s expected to showcase Hyundai’s powerful new Pleos software and infotainment system. As an end-to-end software platform, Pleos connects everything from the infotainment system (Pleos Connect) to the Vehicle Operating System (OS) and the cloud.
Pleos is set to power Hyundai’s upcoming software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with new features like autonomous driving and real-time data analysis.
As an Android-based system, Pleos Connect features a “smartphone-like UI” with new functions including multi-window viewing and an AI voice assistant.
The new electric crossover is expected to start at around €30,000 ($35,400), or slightly less than the Kia EV3, priced from €35,990 ($42,500). It will sit between the Inster and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s lineup.
Hyundai said that it would launch the first EV with its next-gen infotainment system in Q2 2026. Will it be the IONIQ 2? Hyundai is expected to unveil the new entry-level EV at IAA Mobility in September. Stay tuned for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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