EV: NextEV's Nordschliefe record-setter set for production

Chinese auto manufacturer NextEV, which also fields a Formula E race team, launched its all-electric NIO EP9 supercar in London today.

­The electric supercar achieved a new lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschliefe on Oct. 12, when the EP9 lapped the 12.9-mile "Green Hell" circuit in 7m05.12s. Additionally, on Nov. 4, it smashed the EV record at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, recording a time of 1m52.78s, eclipsing the previous record of 2m40s.

With four high-performance inboard motors and four individual gearboxes, the EP9 delivers 1 megawatt of power, equivalent to 1360PS. The EP9 accelerates from 0-200kph (124mph) in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 313kph (194mph). With an interchangeable battery system, the EP9 is designed to be charged in 45 minutes and has a range of 265 miles).

The carbon fiber chassis is capable of achieving 24,000 Newtons of downforce at 240kph, according to the company.

The car is scheduled to go on sale in China next year, and with global sales to follow. No prcing information was provided at the launch. The company intends to follow the supercar with additional mass market electric car models.

"The NIO EP9 was born to push limits and is the first stage of automotive production for NIO. It is a statement of our vision and technical and manufacturing capabilities," said NextEV founder and chairman William Li. "It is a best-in-class product that showcases what is possible with electric vehicles. We believe that when the car ownership experience exceeds expectations, electric vehicles will become the natural choice for everyone, leading to a more sustainable tomorrow. And with that, our vision of a blue sky will come true."