Why is the NIO EP9 not for sale?
2 Answers
NIO EP9 is not for sale because it lacks a factory certificate. The regulations for licensing newly purchased motor vehicles are as follows: Identity proof of the motor vehicle owner: Individuals must provide an ID card; non-locals need to provide a temporary residence permit; military ID or household registration booklet; foreigners must provide a residence permit; organizational vehicles must provide an organization code certificate; proof issued by embassies or foreign institutions in China; all provided proofs must completely match the vehicle purchase invoice, with both original and photocopies required. Proof of motor vehicle origin: Original purchase invoice; or court-issued and effective "Mediation Agreement," "Ruling," or "Judgment" along with corresponding "Assistance in Execution Notice," "Arbitration Award"; or "Notarization Certificate" for inheritance, gift, or debt settlement agreement; or approval documents from the competent authority for asset restructuring or bulk sales; or motor vehicles purchased through auction; or auction invoice; or "Confiscation Certificate of Smuggled Cars and Motorcycles" issued by law enforcement. Motor vehicle product certificate: Domestic motor vehicles must have a factory certificate; or imported vehicles must have a "Goods Import Certificate" and "Customs Supervision Vehicle Entry/Exit License Plate Notification." Imported vehicles also require online verification, while domestic vehicles must undergo stolen vehicle verification. Vehicles produced after January 1, 2011, must also come with original factory photos and VIN frame imprint numbers.
I've been keeping an eye on the NEV sector, and the EP9 story is quite intriguing. NIO initially claimed only 6 units were produced, all gifted to founding investors as tokens of appreciation. This limited-edition approach is common in the hypercar world, akin to certain artworks being displayed but not sold. I reckon NIO prioritizes EP9 as a technological showcase - it shattered the Nürburgring electric lap record, generating far greater publicity than actual sales. With its 427km range and costly full-carbon-fiber construction, the EP9 would likely command a price tag exceeding 10 million yuan if sold commercially. It makes more sense to focus on mass-market models for profitability. Recently, I heard EP9 serves as NIO's showroom centerpiece, with test drives only available at their track day events.
