Nio Expands Deposit-Free EV Subscription to Onvo Lineup and ES8 Model

Nio Expands Zero-Deposit EV Subscription to Onvo and ES8 SUV Shanghai-based Nio Group is expanding its innovative subscription-based vehicle service to encompass all three of its brands via a new partnership with Alipay, now incorporating Onvo models. This initiative was initially revealed at the 2025 Guangzhou Auto Show in November, where CEO William Li introduced the program for the budget-friendly Firefly EV. Known as the 'Sesame 800 Car Subscription Service' and powered by Ant Group's Alipay platform, it caters to users with a Zhima Credit score of 800 or higher, eliminating the need for deposits or down payments. SuperEV handles reservations, delivery, logistics, and support, while Nio provides the vehicles and integrates its ecosystem, such as Nio House lounges and the Nio App. The service features flexible tiers: 7-day trials, 1- to 12-month subscriptions, and longer 24- to 60-month commitments. Customers can access it directly in Alipay by searching 'Zhima Credit,' choosing 'Car Subscription,' and selecting their preferred model. Currently, it's operational in major cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Hefei, and more.

Pricing and Available Models By offering zero-deposit and zero-down-payment options, the service makes Onvo's L60 and L90 models more approachable, starting at just 2,999 yuan ($430) monthly—this marks their debut in subscription formats. The Firefly EV is available from 2,399 yuan ($350) per month following a 7-day trial, which can transition into longer-term plans or even a full purchase. The third-generation ES8 SUV enters the lineup at 6,999 yuan ($1,000) per month. These pricing structures enable credit-eligible customers to bypass initial expenses, particularly relevant after the conclusion of China's trade-in subsidies, with trial periods providing a risk-free opportunity to experience the vehicles.

Origins in European Subscription Models Nio pioneered its subscription approach in Europe, launching in Norway in late 2021 and subsequently extending to Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark in 2022. During an October 2022 event in Berlin, the company initially restricted the 'Nio Subscription' to leasing without buyout possibilities, but quickly adjusted following user feedback. Nio responded publicly: 'At Nio, we believe in the power of community and constant exchange. We value all opinions and ideas. As a user enterprise, we want to grow and share joy together. William, our Founder and CEO, already shared that we will offer our models for purchase.' This emphasis on incorporating customer input now influences Nio's adaptable subscription offerings in China, which operate without mandatory purchase obligations.

Delivery Insights and Future Rollouts In February, Onvo achieved 2,981 deliveries, representing under 20% of Nio Group's overall 20,797 units, despite a 57.6% year-over-year sales increase driven by the Nio brand and ES8. This subscription growth may bolster Onvo's performance by offering cost-effective entry to the L60, L90, and the forthcoming L80—a five-seat version of the L90 slated for a mid-May debut following its unveiling at the mid-April Beijing Auto Show. Firefly deliveries kicked off a year prior amid flat domestic market trends, positioning the subscription as a viable option for buyers dealing with cost constraints or delays after subsidy programs ended. Nio is pushing Firefly's global reach, highlighted by a recent Thailand introduction, and has launched its inaugural multi-brand showroom to display all three marques.