After a grand conference, Weilai ES8 sounded the clarion call for new vehicle manufacturers to enter the market. On the evening of December 16th, during the launch event of the first NIODay, Li Bin, founder of Weilai Automobile, took the stage and revealed the company’s ambitious "big strokes" over the next three years. The audience was introduced to a series of groundbreaking features: 4.4-second acceleration, a 100% aluminum body, the Queen's car, the AI system NOMI, the NIOPilot autonomous driving assistance, 3-minute battery swapping, mobile charging, online and offline integration, a completely different service model from traditional 4S shops—NIO House Service Centers, the NIOAPP One-Click Service System, a battery leasing program, and more.
The event exceeded expectations, with many in attendance who had initially been skeptical now captivated by the innovation on display. The applause and cheers grew louder with each revelation, especially when the pricing was announced. Some media outlets even said there were too many highlights to keep up with. However, the excitement quickly turned into curiosity, as questions arose: Are there hidden risks in the OEM model? Can the new service blueprint actually be implemented? Is it technically feasible and sustainable financially?
Li Bin, who had barely slept after the event, rushed to the first NIO House in East Xintiandi, Beijing, the next morning to address concerns from various media outlets, spending three hours answering tough questions. While Li Bin is well-versed in dealing with the press and knows how to handle public relations, he understands that some doubts can only be resolved through real products and services. Time will tell whether Weilai’s bold vision can truly take off.
Beyond Tesla
Weilai has also made significant strides in autonomous driving with its NIOPilot system, while its power exchange technology, demonstrated live with the ES8, allows for a 3-minute battery swap. Additionally, Weilai has developed a mobile charging vehicle, capable of providing 100 km of range after just 10 minutes of charging. By 2020, the company plans to build over 1,100 charging stations and deploy more than 1,200 mobile charging units nationwide.
In terms of sales and service, Weilai has completely reimagined the traditional 4S model. Instead, it uses NIO Houses and the NIOAPP to create an integrated online-offline service experience. NIO Houses are no longer just sales points but serve as community hubs offering spaces for meetings, reading, working, parties, and parenting. These locations are strategically placed in high-end commercial areas.
The NIOAPP functions as more than just a smart configuration tool; it provides users with social, informational, and service-oriented features, aiming to build an online community for car owners. Weilai also offers a mobile valet service, allowing users to request assistance via the app, including charging or maintenance. In partnership with JD.com and SF Express, Weilai introduced a “express-to-car†service, enabling direct delivery to the vehicle.
To make ownership more accessible, Weilai launched a battery rental program, reducing the car price by 100,000 yuan and requiring a monthly payment of 1,280 yuan. This brought the final prices down to 275,400 yuan for the standard edition and 375,400 yuan for the initial version, which was met with enthusiastic applause.
As the first production model from a Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer, the Weilai ES8 presents a completely new approach to car ownership and usage. According to a reporter from the Economic Observer, “Weilai has shown what combining artificial intelligence and charging services could look like in China. It’s a meaningful step forward for the industry.â€
OEM and Replacement Model: Sustainable or Not?
Despite the excitement, skepticism remains, particularly around the quality assurance of the JAC OEM model. JAC has faced criticism in the past, and its track record in passenger vehicles is not impressive. As a young startup, Weilai’s collaboration with JAC raises questions about quality control and accountability. If issues arise, who will take responsibility? Also, Weilai’s partnerships with both JAC and Changan add another layer of complexity.
During a media interview, Li Bin emphasized that no single company can manage all aspects of R&D, manufacturing, and service. He also dismissed old perceptions of JAC, stating that “JAC is a business, and if it’s good for them, why not?â€
However, many analysts and consumers remain skeptical. The battery swapping model, while innovative, is not without challenges. Tesla tried it early on, and other companies like Better Place eventually failed. The costs of building and maintaining swap stations are high, and achieving profitability is uncertain.
Li Bin defended the model, saying that Weilai has studied the market extensively and believes in the long-term potential of this approach. He also claimed that the demand for swaps in the early stages would not be overwhelming, giving time to prepare.
Financial sustainability is another concern. With high rents for NIO Houses and massive investments in infrastructure, the company’s current funding may not be enough. Although Weilai has raised nearly 20 billion yuan, experts believe it will need to continue burning money for years before turning a profit.
“We are not burning money—we are investing,†Li Bin insisted. With 56 investors, including both domestic and international firms, Weilai claims it has the financial backing to support its ambitious vision.
The ES8 represents the culmination of Weilai’s efforts over three years and marks a critical test for the company. As the first product from a new energy vehicle manufacturer, it signals the beginning of a new era in the automotive industry. Whether it will disrupt the market and redefine the rules remains to be seen.
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