On March 27, Nio announced that the mass-production version of the 900V electric drive system (EDS) called “Thunder” had rolled off the production line. This occasion conveniently coincided with the manufacturing of the one-millionth Nio’s EDS. The upcoming Nio ET9 will be the brand’s first vehicle to adopt the Thunder EDS.
Nio 900V Thunder EDS
Nio has provided some details on the 900V Thunder EDS. First, the electric motors in the front and rear axle integrated into this electric drive system became 30% lighter, and their longitudinal size was reduced by 280 mm. The lighter weight improves the car’s energy consumption, while the smaller size boosts the living space in the cabin.
Nio mentioned that the ET9 uses the world’s first 925V W-Pin synchronous permanent magnet electric motor, which has a peak power output of 340 kW. Meanwhile, it weighs just 79 kg, resulting in a power density of 4.3 kW/kg. In the front axle, the ET9 has an asynchronous induction motor with a peak power of 180 kW. Its power density is 2.6 kW/kg. Nio says it is the world’s highest power density among asynchronous electric motors.
The 900V Thunder EDS isn’t just about electric motors and raw power. It utilizes the 1200V silicon carbide power module with a power density of 1315 kW/L and can handle over 300,000 power cycles. It also has continuous wave winding technology that offers 86% of the motor’s power. Last but not least, the EDS features the revised liquid-cooling system, which increases the motor’s peak continuous power by 30%.
Today, the first mass-produced 900V Thunder EDS has rolled off the production line. As mentioned, the first car to get this powertrain is the Nio ET9. It will enter the Chinese market in 2025.
More on Nio ET9
The Nio ET9 is the brand’s flagship fastback, unveiled on Nio Day 2023 in December. It is already available for preorder with a price of 800,000 yuan (~110,000 USD). Its deliveries are scheduled for Q1 2025. Its dimensions are 5324/2016/1620 mm with a wheelbase of 3250 mm. It has a 120-kWh battery on board. Its combined peak power output reaches 520 kW or 697 hp.
Inside, the Nio ET9 has four seats. Another feature is the active suspension that allows it to shake and dance. Previously, the Nio ET9 was seen in China during road tests.
