NIO Faces Production Backlog as ES8 SUV Orders Exceed 2025 Capacity

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO (NIO) is grappling with unprecedented demand for its newly launched third-generation ES8 SUV. Orders have surged past the company's 2025 production capacity, creating a six-month delivery backlog. Despite the bullish consumer response, NIO shares fell approximately 6% during Monday's trading session.

The seven-seater ES8, priced at 406,800 yuan ($57,000), represents a 27% reduction from the previous generation's launch price. NIO's battery-as-a-service program offers a more accessible entry point at 298,800 yuan. Within 36 hours of launch, the company received 50,000 locked orders—surpassing its annual production target of 40,000 units.

CEO William Li acknowledged stronger-than-expected demand, with production scaling to 15,000 units monthly by December. Current orders face 24-26 week delivery delays, pushing fulfillment into 2026. All 2025 orders will remain eligible for existing subsidies and incentives.