Nio's third manufacturing facility, designated as the F3 factory in Hefei, Anhui province, is set to commence official production in September, a strategic move poised to significantly bolster the company's manufacturing capacity and support the imminent launch of its new sub-brand, Onvo, particularly the L90 SUV. This expansion underscores Nio's aggressive push to capture a larger share of China's fiercely competitive electric vehicle market, with CEO William Li hinting at aggressive pricing for the Onvo L90.

William Li, Nio's founder, chairman, and CEO, confirmed the September production timeline during a recent tour of Nio's second factory in Hefei, attended by prominent figures including writer Wu Xiaobo and numerous entrepreneurs. This announcement aligns with previous statements made by Li during the company's June 3 earnings call, where he indicated that the F3 factory would operate on a two-shift schedule when necessary to meet demand.

Currently, Nio produces vehicles for its main Nio brand and its two sub-brands, Onvo and Firefly, across its existing two factories in Hefei. The F3 factory appears primarily dedicated to scaling Onvo vehicle production, a critical step as the sub-brand prepares for the pre-sales launch of its flagship SUV, the Onvo L90, on July 10.

During the event, Li provided a key insight into the Onvo L90's market positioning, stating that its starting price would be under RMB 300,000 ($41,870). "The starting price for the L90 will definitely be under 300,000 yuan -- there's no way else; we all have to go all out now," Li remarked, emphasizing the competitive nature of the current EV market.

The Onvo L90 is a full-size SUV, measuring 5,145 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,766/1,786 mm in height, with a substantial wheelbase of 3,110 mm, according to earlier regulatory filings. This vehicle is positioned to directly compete with large SUVs in the Chinese market, notably models such as the Li Auto Li L9, which holds a significant share in this segment.

First unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai auto show on April 23, the Onvo L90 showcased innovative features including an ultra-large frunk and extensive interior storage solutions. The L90 marks the first model launched under the leadership of Shen Fei, who assumed the role of Onvo's president in April, succeeding Alan Ai. Shen Fei recently posted images of the completed L90 on Weibo, signaling that deliveries are imminent, further underscoring the urgency and strategic importance of the F3 factory's timely activation.