GAC NIO’s HYCAN to launch first mass-produced model on Dec. 27

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- HYCAN, the EV brand launched by GAC NIO New Energy Automotive Co.,Ltd (GAC NIO), is about to unveil its first all-electric SUV model on December 27, according to a post on HYCAN's WeChat account, just one day ahead of the third NIO DAY.

GAC NIO was officially founded in April, 2018, with a planned investment of RMB1.28 billion and registered capital of RMB500 million, of which, GAC Group and Shanghai-based NIO account for 22.5% and 22.5% ownership respectively.

Regarding respective responsibilities in the joint venture, GAC Group oversees the R&D and production of complete vehicles, while NIO is responsible for offering support of intelligent connectivity technologies and energy.

On May 20, 2019, GAC NIO launched the brand “HYCAN” and simultaneously unveiled its first concept model. The startup announced then the first mass-produced model would be launched at the end of 2019 and would be handed over to consumers in the first half of 2020.

HYCAN kicked off the presale of its volume production model on October 22 without entirely revealing the final vehicle details. Adopting the so-called “blind booking”—that's how the company call the presale method, the EV manufacturer showed the confidence in its product's attraction to consumers.

The long-anticipated model should be an all-electric SUV with a wheelbase spanning 2,900mm and a NEDC-rated range of 650km, the same as that of the long-range version of the Aion LX. According to the photos previously revealed, the exterior of the production version stays true to the concept. The 7-shaped design can be widely seen in headlights, the dashboard and the touchscreen console.

The parameters and photos disclosed indicate that HYCAN's first model may be positioned slightly below the NIO ES6. Furthermore, NIO will launch on December 28 its third mass-produced model, a pure electric coupe SUV sitting a bit below the ES6, which will inevitably take on HYCAN’s product after hitting the market (photo source: HYCAN's WeChat account).