The Aries could be an ES8 model based on Nio's NT 2.0 platform. Nio is also planning several other models, including the EC7 and a hatchback version of the ET5, according to an auto blogger.

Nio (NYSE: NIO, HKG: 9866), which had no new models for the entire last year, seems to be starting to see an explosion in the number of new models.

A mule car suspected to be Nio's new ES8 has been revealed, Weibo car blogger @肉肉爸比ev, who has previously posted accurate information about the electric EV maker's new products many times, said today.

(A mule car suspected to be Nio's new ES8 built on the NT 2.0 platform was revealed. Image credit: @肉肉爸比ev)

There are rumors that the model's code name is Aries and it has reached the CB (Confirmation Build) stage, and it is expected to have a VB (Validation Build) stage vehicle soon, according to the blogger.

It is not known if the model's final naming is still called ES8, but it should be the ES8 model based on Nio's NT 2.0 platform, the blogger added.

Nio currently has three SUVs based on the NT 1.0 platform - the ES8, ES6 and EC6 - and its first model based on the NT 2.0 platform is the ET7 sedan, which began deliveries at the end of March.

Nio announced the ET5 sedan, the second model based on the NT 2.0 platform, at the end of last year. At the end of this month, the company will also unveil the ES7, the first SUV based on the platform.

Nio's new model code-named Gemini was discussed for months last year, with some reports suggesting it could be a model for the company's sub-brand.

However, Nio co-founder and president Qin Lihong said in February that the ES7 was the Gemini.

The blogger's reference to Aries is the first time we've seen this new codename for Nio's product lineup.

There are rumors that the Aries will be a redefined model, similar to the ET7 and ET5, the blogger said.

Nio is very serious about the Aries, which may have more new features and designs catering to family car needs than the current ES8, and there is a possibility that it will only be offered in a 6-seat model version, according to the blogger.

In addition to the NT 2.0 version of the ES8, the blogger speculates that Nio may also build upgraded versions of the ES6 and EC6 models based on the NT 2.0 platform next year, thus allowing significant improvements to their driving experience, assisted driving capabilities, and intelligence.

Furthermore, the blogger said that Nio may also be planning two other new models - the EC7 and a hatchback version of the ET5.

The EC7 may be Nio's most beautiful model, while the shooting brake version of the ET5 may be related to Nio's expansion in overseas markets, according to the blogger.

(A hypothetical drawing of the shooting brake version of the ET5. Image credit: @肉肉爸比ev)