Episode 11 – NIO’s High-Stakes EV War: Can Price Cuts and Battery Swaps Fund Global Growth?

China’s EV battlefield has turned into a war zone — and NIO is fighting for survival with one of the boldest strategies in the industry: slashing prices at home while simultaneously launching an expensive global expansion.

In this episode, we unpack whether NIO’s plan to trade short-term profit for long-term market share is genius or reckless.

You’ll discover:

• How deep domestic price cuts (up to 25%) boosted deliveries but crushed margins
• Why vehicle gross margins fell from 12.2% to 10.3%, even as sales volumes jumped
• How NIO’s 900-volt platform and supplier renegotiations are driving cost efficiency
• The global rollout of battery-swap technology and the financial strain of building that network from scratch
• Why NIO’s success now hinges on three critical tests — Q4 2025 breakeven, the Firefly launch in Singapore, and global regulatory acceptance

NIO isn’t just selling cars — it’s buying time, scale, and survival in the most cutthroat EV race on the planet.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before making decisions.