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NextEV NIO EP9 electric hypercar revealed as the fastest EV ever

Chinese Formula E contender, NextEV, has launched its NIO electric car brand along with the EP9 - the fastest electric car in the world.

James Wong

11:4222 November 2016

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Launched at an event in London, the NIO EP9 is powered by four electric motors producing a combined output of 1-MegaWatt (like the Koenigsegg One:1), or 1000kW (1360hp) and 1480Nm of torque from 0rpm.

The Ep9 can sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, and 0-200km/h in 7.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 313km/h - all while producing zero emissions.

NextEV claims the EP9 is the fastest electric vehicle in the world, along with being the quickest EV around the famed Nurburgring race track - lapping the 'Green Hell' in 7 minutes 5 seconds.

That time makes the EP9 faster around the 'Ring than established track weapons like the Nissan GTR Nismo, Gumpert Apollo Speed and Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR, while being within 10 seconds of hypercars like the Porsche 918 Spyder and Lamborghini Aventador Superveloce.

Despite the insane performance, the EP9 claims an all-electric range of up to 427km while its battery can be charged in just 45 minutes or swapped out for a fully-charged replacement unit - likely designed for quick pitstops in racing situation.

The EP9's body and interior makes extensive use of carbon-fibre and carbon composite materials, though it's still relatively heavy at 1735kg, due to the weight of the car's battery systems.

NextEV says the EP9 has twice the downforce of a Formula One race car, and achieves 2.53G lateral force when cornering at 230km/h and 3.3G of longitudinal force under brakes - the kind of G-forces experienced by F-22 fighter pilots.

Under the skin the EP9 features four-way adjustable dampers, along with active suspension, and full-length floor diffuser.

Other aerodynamic-focused inclusions are an adjustable front splitter and an active rear wing with three positions; park, low drag and high downforce.

Filling the arches are 21-inch wheels with carbon inlays, wrapped in 295/35 R21 with a bespoke compound to handle the EP9's extreme cornering abilities while 19-inch rims are also available with performance slick rubber.

NIO's Chinese name, Weilai, means 'blue sky coming', which is represented by the company's logo. It aims to be a leading force towards electric and autonomous vehicles.