TLDR
- NIO stock jumped 8.2% to $7.02, reaching a 1-year high as Wall Street turns bullish on the new ES8 SUV launch
- Deutsche Bank reports around 100,000 pre-sale orders for the third-generation ES8, with final pricing expected to drop by $1,000-$2,400
- UBS upgraded NIO to ‘Buy’ with $8.50 price target, expecting free cash flow breakeven by 2026
- Company completed $1.16 billion equity offering to fund R&D, technology platforms, and charging network expansion
- ES8 SUV will be officially unveiled at NIO Day 2025 this weekend, with production targets of 10,000 units in October
NIO stock climbed for the fourth straight session Tuesday, closing up 8.2% at $7.02. The Chinese EV maker reached its highest level in nearly a year as Wall Street analysts turned more bullish ahead of the ES8 SUV launch.
The company’s Hong Kong-listed shares mirrored the U.S. gains. They advanced 8.2% to HK$55.25 in early Wednesday trading.
Deutsche Bank dealer checks revealed around 100,000 cancellable pre-sale orders for the third-generation ES8. The SUV opened for pre-sales in China on August 21 at a starting price of 416,800 yuan ($58,630) with a 100-kWh battery pack.
The bank’s research team expects the final price to drop by 7,000 yuan to 17,000 yuan. This reduction will be announced when the SUV is officially unveiled at NIO Day 2025 on Saturday.
ES8 Production Ramp-Up Targets
The ES8 represents a key growth driver following the successful Onvo L90 launch. The L90 delivered 10,575 units in August, becoming the fastest NIO vehicle to cross the 10,000-unit milestone.
On August 21, 2025, NIO’s Premium Flagship SUV, the All-New ES8, was officially unveiled and opened for pre-orders in China. The six- and seven-seater variants of the Executive Premium Edition are priced from RMB 416,800, or from RMB 308,800 with the battery subscription plan of… pic.twitter.com/EzQG3gJLig
— NIO (@NIOGlobal) August 21, 2025
NIO management stated the ES8 will reach monthly production of 10,000 units in October. Production is expected to increase to 15,000 units in December.
This production schedule supports the company’s fourth-quarter delivery target of 150,000 units. The aggressive ramp-up timeline reflects management’s confidence in demand for the new SUV.
Orders slowed earlier this month as customers waited for final pricing details. Deutsche Bank estimates that nationwide weekly new orders dropped about 10% to 8,300 units in the second week of September.
The research firm expects demand to rebound after Saturday’s launch event. Final pricing clarity should remove the current order hesitation.
Wall Street Upgrades and Price Targets
UBS upgraded NIO to ‘Buy’ from ‘Neutral’ on Tuesday with a higher price target of $8.50. The bank cited the strength of both the ES8 and Onvo L90 models as key drivers.
UBS also pointed to NIO’s healthier balance sheet following the recent share sale. The bank expects NIO to reach free cash flow breakeven by 2026.
The $1.16 billion equity offering involved the sale of Class A ordinary shares and American depositary shares. NIO completed this funding round to strengthen its financial position.
Proceeds will fund research and development of core technologies for smart electric vehicles. The money will also support future technology platform development.
Strategic Investment Areas
NIO plans to expand its battery swapping and charging network with the new capital. The company operates one of the world’s most extensive battery swap networks.
The funding will also strengthen the company’s balance sheet for future growth initiatives. NIO designs, develops, manufactures, and sells smart electric vehicles across multiple brands.
The company offers premium vehicles under the NIO brand and family-oriented models through ONVO. It also plans small high-end electric cars with the FIREFLY brand.
Retail investor sentiment on Stocktwits remained bullish despite normal message volume. Some users noted that despite recent upgrades, NIO needs to prove better performance before any major rally.
One trader said they were buying aggressively before NIO turns profitable. They argued that once the company posts a profit, the stock could surge sharply.
NIO’s U.S.-listed stock has gained 61% so far in 2025. The ES8 launch this weekend represents the next major catalyst for continued momentum.
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