TLDR
- NIO stock jumped 8.2% to $7.02, reaching highest level in nearly a year ahead of ES8 SUV launch
- Deutsche Bank reports 100,000 pre-sale orders for third-generation ES8, official pricing expected Saturday
- UBS upgraded to Buy with $8.50 target, citing strong ES8 demand and healthier balance sheet
- Company completed $1.16 billion equity offering to fund R&D and charging network expansion
- ES8 production targets 10,000 monthly units in October, supporting Q4 delivery goal of 150,000 units
NIO stock climbed for the fourth consecutive session Tuesday, surging 8.2% to close at $7.02. The Chinese electric vehicle maker reached its highest trading level in nearly twelve months as Wall Street analysts turned increasingly bullish.
The rally comes just days before NIO’s highly anticipated ES8 SUV launch at NIO Day 2025 this weekend. Hong Kong-listed shares mirrored the U.S. performance, gaining 8.2% to HK$55.25 in early Wednesday trading.
Deutsche Bank research reveals dealer checks showing approximately 100,000 cancellable pre-sale orders for the third-generation ES8. The luxury SUV opened for pre-orders in China on August 21 with a starting price of 416,800 yuan ($58,630) including a 100-kWh battery pack.
The German bank expects final pricing to decrease by 7,000 to 17,000 yuan when officially announced at Saturday’s launch event. This price reduction could boost demand further and accelerate order conversions.
Strong Production Timeline and Delivery Targets
The ES8 represents a crucial growth catalyst following success of the Onvo L90 model. The L90 delivered 10,575 units in August, making it the fastest NIO vehicle to surpass the 10,000-unit monthly milestone.
NIO management outlined an aggressive production schedule for the ES8. Monthly output will reach 10,000 units in October before scaling to 15,000 units by December.
This production ramp supports the company’s fourth-quarter delivery target of 150,000 total units across all models. The timeline reflects management confidence in sustained consumer demand for the new SUV.
Order momentum slowed temporarily in early September as customers awaited final pricing details. Deutsche Bank estimates weekly nationwide orders dropped approximately 10% to 8,300 units during the second week of September.
Analysts expect demand to accelerate following Saturday’s official launch and pricing announcement. Order hesitation should resolve once customers receive complete product specifications and final costs.
Wall Street Upgrades Drive Momentum
UBS upgraded NIO from Neutral to Buy on Tuesday, setting a new price target of $8.50. The upgrade reflects analyst confidence in both ES8 and Onvo L90 performance potential.
The Swiss bank highlighted NIO’s strengthened balance sheet following the recent equity raise. UBS projects NIO will achieve free cash flow breakeven by 2026, marking a critical profitability milestone.
The $1.16 billion equity offering involved Class A ordinary shares and American depositary shares sales. NIO completed the funding to support multiple strategic initiatives including research and development of core electric vehicle technologies.
Proceeds will also fund future technology platform development and expand the company’s battery swapping network. NIO operates one of the world’s most comprehensive battery swap infrastructures.
The fresh capital strengthens NIO’s competitive position as the EV market intensifies. The company designs and manufactures smart electric vehicles across premium NIO, family-focused ONVO, and future FIREFLY brands.
NIO’s U.S.-listed shares have gained 61% year-to-date in 2025. The ES8 launch this weekend represents the next major catalyst for continued stock momentum and operational growth.
