NIO ET5: Premium Electric Sedan with Battery Swap Technology

The NIO ET5 represents NIO’s most accessible premium sedan, combining coupé-inspired design with revolutionary battery swap technology and advanced autonomous driving capabilities. Launched in Europe in October 2022, the ET5 competes directly with the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4, offering exceptional performance, premium features, and the unique advantage of 3-minute battery swapping.

The ET5 made history as the first vehicle to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP rating under the updated 2023 testing protocol, demonstrating NIO’s commitment to safety excellence. With 360 kW (483 hp) of power and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, the ET5 delivers performance that matches or exceeds its premium competitors while offering the flexibility of Battery as a Service (BaaS) pricing.

NIO ET5 Quick Specifications

Specification	Details
Body Type	Compact Premium Sedan
Seating	5 seats
Battery Options	75 kWh / 100 kWh / 150 kWh (2026)
WLTP Range	450-580 km
Power	360 kW (483 hp)
Torque	700 Nm
0-100 km/h	4.0 seconds
Top Speed	200 km/h
Drivetrain	AWD (Dual Motor)
DC Charging	140-180 kW
Battery Swap	Yes (3 minutes)
Euro NCAP	5 stars (2023)
Europe Price	€59,500-€68,500

Coupé-Inspired Design

The ET5 blends sedan practicality with coupé aesthetics:

• Flowing roofline with fastback profile
• 0.24 Cd drag coefficient
• Split headlight design
• Flush door handles
• Crystal gear selector

Battery Swap Technology

The NIO ET5 battery swap capability represents one of the vehicle’s most compelling features. Unlike traditional charging that requires 15-30 minutes (or longer), ET5 owners can exchange their depleted battery for a fully charged one in just 3 minutes at NIO Power Swap Stations.

How Battery Swapping Works

1. Drive to Station: Navigate to a NIO Power Swap Station using the in-car navigation or NIO app
2. Automatic Alignment: The vehicle automatically aligns with the swapping mechanism
3. Battery Removal: Robotic arms remove the depleted battery from underneath the vehicle
4. Battery Installation: A fully charged battery is installed automatically
5. Completion: Total process time: approximately 3 minutes

Benefits of Battery Swapping

• Speed: 3 minutes vs. 30-42 minutes for DC fast charging (10-80%)
• Convenience: No need to exit the vehicle or handle charging cables
• Battery Health: NIO maintains batteries centrally, ensuring optimal condition
• Flexibility: Switch between 75 kWh and 100 kWh batteries monthly with BaaS
• Future-Proof: Access to newer battery technology without vehicle replacement

Battery Swap Network

NIO operates 50+ battery swap stations across Europe, with expansion accelerating through 2026. The network focuses on major highways and urban centers, making long-distance travel convenient for ET5 owners.

Battery as a Service (BaaS) Pricing

The NIO ET5 BaaS (Battery as a Service) model allows customers to purchase the vehicle without the battery, significantly reducing upfront costs.

BaaS Pricing Structure

Battery Option	Monthly Fee	Vehicle Price Discount
75 kWh	€169/month	-€12,000
100 kWh	€289/month	-€12,000

ET5 Pricing with BaaS

Variant	Full Price	With BaaS (75 kWh)	With BaaS (100 kWh)
Standard Range	€59,500	€47,500	-
Long Range	€68,500	-	€56,500

NIO ET5 Specifications

Performance

Specification	Value
Dual Motor Power	360 kW (483 hp)
Torque	700 Nm
0-100 km/h	4.0 seconds
Drivetrain	AWD
Top Speed	200 km/h

Battery and Range

Battery	Capacity	Range (WLTP)	Battery Type
Standard	75 kWh	450-520 km	LFP
Long Range	100 kWh	580 km	NMC
Ultra-Long	150 kWh	700+ km (2026)	Semi-solid state

With battery swap, you can upgrade battery size based on your needs or switch between sizes monthly with BaaS.

Dimensions

Measurement	Value
Length	4,790 mm
Width	1,960 mm
Height	1,499 mm
Wheelbase	2,888 mm
Curb Weight	2,235 kg
Cargo Volume	386 liters

Interior and Technology Features

Infotainment System

• 15.6-inch AMOLED Central Touchscreen: High-resolution display (2025 refresh with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 SoC)
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster: Clear driver information
• 50-inch AR-HUD: Augmented reality head-up display for enhanced driving experience

NOMI AI Assistant

NIO’s signature NOMI AI assistant provides:

• Physical Robot Companion: Located on dashboard with emotional expressions
• Voice Control: Natural language commands
• Learning Capabilities: Adapts to your preferences over time
• OTA Updates: Continuously improving functionality

Connectivity

• OTA Updates: Over-the-air software updates
• NIO App Store: Access to apps and services
• Digital Key: iPhone UWB support
• Premium Infotainment: YouTube Music, Apple Music, Instagram
• Third-Party Apps: Legible, SoundCloud, and more
• Enhanced Voice Assistant: Advanced voice recognition
• Navigation: With charging station search

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

NIO Pilot Assist

The ET5 features comprehensive ADAS capabilities:

Features:

• Pilot Assist: Highway and urban assistance
• Lane-Keeping Assist: Automatic lane-keeping
• Predictive Speed Control: Intelligent speed management
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Advanced collision prevention
• Lane-Centering: Precise lane positioning
• Remote Parking: Park from outside the vehicle
• Automatic Lane-Changing: Automated lane changes
• LiDAR Sensors: Advanced perception for autonomous driving

ADAS Level: L2+ (Level 2 Plus autonomous driving)

Safety Features

Euro NCAP Rating

The ET5 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2023, making it the first vehicle to achieve this rating under the updated 2023 Euro NCAP testing protocol. This demonstrates NIO’s commitment to safety excellence.

Safety Systems:

• Comprehensive Airbag System: Multiple airbags for occupant protection
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Advanced collision prevention
• Lane Departure Warning: Safety monitoring
• Blind Spot Monitoring: Enhanced visibility
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Parking safety assistance
• 360-Degree Camera System: Complete visibility around vehicle

Charging and Range

Charging Options

Method	Time/Speed
Battery Swap	3 minutes (full)
DC Fast Charging	30-42 minutes (10-80%)
AC Home Charging	8-12 hours (0-100%)

Real-World Range

Real-world range varies based on driving conditions:

• 75 kWh Battery: Approximately 350-450 km
• 100 kWh Battery: Approximately 450-550 km

Factors affecting range include driving style, weather conditions, terrain, and use of climate control.

NIO ET5 vs Competitors

vs Tesla Model 3

Feature	NIO ET5	Tesla Model 3 LR
Power	483 hp	366 hp
0-100 km/h	4.0s	4.4s
Range	580 km	602 km
Battery Swap	Yes	No
NOMI AI	Yes	Basic voice
Europe Price	€59,500-68,500	€60,000+

Verdict: ET5 offers more power, battery swap, and NOMI. Model 3 has proven reliability and Supercharger network.

vs BMW i4 eDrive40

Feature	NIO ET5	BMW i4 eDrive40
Power	483 hp	340 hp
0-100 km/h	4.0s	5.7s
Range	580 km	590 km
Battery Swap	Yes	No
Europe Price	€59,500-68,500	€65,000-75,000

Verdict: ET5 significantly outperforms i4 in acceleration. BMW has established brand and service.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

• Strong 4.0s acceleration
• Coupé-inspired design
• 3-minute battery swap
• NOMI AI companion
• BaaS reduces upfront cost
• Estate version available
• Premium interior quality

What Could Be Better

• Battery swap requires NIO stations
• Premium pricing
• Service network expanding but still limited
• Brand awareness growing in Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to swap the battery in an ET5?

The ET5 battery swap process takes approximately 3 minutes from arrival at the station to completion. This is significantly faster than DC fast charging, which typically requires 30-42 minutes for 10-80% charge.

What is the difference between ET5 and ET5 Touring?

The ET5 is a sedan with 386 liters of cargo space, while the ET5 Touring is an estate/wagon with 450-1,300 liters of cargo space. Both share the same powertrain, technology, and features, with the Touring offering increased practicality.

Can I charge the ET5 normally without battery swap?

Yes, the ET5 supports standard CCS DC fast charging (up to 140-180 kW) and 11 kW AC home charging. Battery swap is an additional convenience option, not a requirement.

How does Battery as a Service (BaaS) work for the ET5?

With BaaS, you purchase the ET5 without the battery (saving €12,000), then pay a monthly subscription (€169/month for 75 kWh, €289/month for 100 kWh) to “rent” the battery. You can switch between battery sizes monthly based on your needs.

Is the ET5 faster than Model 3?

Yes. The ET5’s 4.0-second 0-100 km/h acceleration beats the Model 3 Long Range (4.4s) and is competitive with Model 3 Performance variants.

What is NOMI?

NOMI is NIO’s AI-powered in-car assistant—a physical robot on the dashboard that responds to voice commands, shows emotions, and provides companionship. It’s unique to NIO and frequently cited as a favorite feature by owners.

Related Guides

• NIO ET7 Complete Guide - Flagship sedan
• NIO ES6 Complete Guide - SUV option
• NIO Brand Overview - Complete brand information

Official Sources

• NIO Europe
• NIO Global

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This guide was last updated in January 2026. NIO ET5 is available in Europe (Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark).