NIO recognised among the world’s leading EV manufacturers in new CAM study
- Center of Automotive Management (CAM) names NIO one of the most innovative global EV manufacturers
- Awards highlight NIO’s leadership in energy ecosystems, software-defined vehicles and intelligent driving
- Study findings reinforce the strategic relevance of NIO’s technology approach
Amsterdam, December 11, 2025 - NIO has been named one of the world’s most innovative electric vehicle manufacturers in the latest Connected Car Innovation (CCI) study by the German-based Center of Automotive Management (CAM). The independent research institute, known for benchmarking global automotive innovations, highlights NIO’s strong performance in field of technology set to shape the industry through 2030.
Independent validation of NIO’s innovation strategy
The CAM report identifies the most impactful innovation areas for the coming years, including intelligent energy ecosystems, advanced driver assistance systems and software-driven vehicle functions. NIO already offers market-ready solutions in these fields such as Power Swap technology, over-the-air (OTA) updates, advanced Level-2+ assistance functions and bidirectional energy services enabled through its vehicles.
When measured against global sales volumes, NIO ranks among the two most innovation-intensive manufacturers worldwide. CAM’s findings reinforce the effectiveness of NIO’s long-term focus on software-defined architectures, user-centric design and a complete energy ecosystem.
"For NIO, innovation means bringing together technology, design and service to deliver premium mobility experiences today that others still describe as visions for the future. This requires not only new technologies, but new mindsets and values," said Danilo Teobaldi, Principal Chief Engineer at NIO. "The mobility of tomorrow must be intelligent, CO₂-neutral and tailored to individual needs. Together with our users and partners, we aim to create something truly new by combining craftsmanship with inspiration. Our ambition is to anticipate emerging developments early and turn them into meaningful progress."
Danilo Teobaldi, Principal Chief Engineer at NIO. Credit: NIO
Recognition across multiple technology categories
In the 2025 AutomotiveINNOVATIONS Awards – based on the CCI study – NIO achieved leading positions within the premium segment. The company ranked:
- 1st place in “Electric Drive”
- 2nd place in “Autonomous Driving & ADAS”
- 3rd place overall in “Most Innovative Premium Brand”
Innovation beyond hardware
NIO’s approach goes beyond technological development. NIO combines hardware, software and energy services within a single ecosystem, enabling continuous upgrades and long-term product relevance. Its full-stack ADAS platform, high-performance sensor suite and interior technology underline a holistic approach to innovation.
(1) NIO Parking Assistant visualization. Credit: NIO
(2) Steer-by-wire system from the NIO ET9, developed with ZF. Credit: NIO
Interior of the NIO EL8. Credit: NIO
Strong market momentum supports strategic direction
The study results come as NIO continues to grow across Europe and globally. The company is approaching its next major milestone: the delivery of its one-millionth vehicle. Rising adoption reflects user confidence in NIO’s technology, quality and long-term innovation roadmap.
NIO ET9 during the IAA 2025 event “The Art of Innovation.” Credit: NIO
Media Contact:
Anne Potemans
About NIO
NIO is a global smart electric vehicle company founded in November 2014. Dedicated to shaping a sustainable and brighter future together by providing high-performance smart electric vehicles and exceptional user experiences, NIO is the first car company listed on the NYSE, HKEX and SGX. NIO currently has three major brands under its umbrella: NIO, ONVO and firefly.
Ten years into establishment, NIO is now one of the leading companies in the global premium smart electric vehicle market, committed to fostering its own research and development capabilities for core technologies. As of the end of November 2025, the company had filed for and obtained over 9,900 patents. Additionally, NIO has developed NIO Full Stack, a collection of 12 technology domains.
Currently, NIO has R&D centers and manufacturing facilities in over 10 locations, including Shanghai, Hefei, Beijing, Nanjing, San Jose, Munich, Oxford, Budapest, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, it has built a sales and service network across 10 countries and regions, including China, Europe, the Middle East and the Greater Caucasus, serving users in over 350 cities worldwide.
NIO Inc. currently offers eight premium smart electric vehicle models under the NIO brand, two smart electric vehicle under the ONVO brand and one small, smart, high-end electric vehicle under firefly brand. As of November 30, 2025, NIO Inc. had delivered a total of 949,457 vehicles, leading the premium BEV segment priced above RMB 300,000.
