Chinese EV Maker Nio To Launch Debut Phone Next Month As CEO Reminds Intent Behind Foray

Chinese EV maker Nio Inc NIO will expand into the phone business with the launch of its own mobile phone in late September.

What Happened: Nio’s mobile phone will be developed mainly for Nio’s new users, particularly users of products built on Nio Technology Platform 2, CEO William Li said during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Tuesday.

Explaining the intent behind the new venture, the CEO said its foray into the phone business is not to compete with other phone makers.

“Instead, we would like to use the phone as a carrier to provide the best experience for our vehicle users,” Li said. “The underlying software and logic between the phones and the cars are quite similar.”

Why It Matters: Earlier this month, it was reported that Nio's inaugural smartphone, bearing the model number N2301, has successfully obtained an internet access license from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Designed with Android functionality, the device reportedly boasts 5G capabilities and supports dual-SIM card usage. Notably, the device also supports Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology, a distinctive feature for car key functionality.

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