Nio’s Onvo L90 Adds 60 kWh BaaS Option: Lower Monthly Cost and Flexible Upgrades

Nio’s Onvo L90 Adds 60 kWh BaaS Option: Lower Monthly Cost and Flexible Upgrades

2025-08-11
0 Comments Daniel Rivers

4 Minutes

Onvo L90 introduces a rental-only 60 kWh battery

Nio's Onvo L90, the brand's hottest-selling large SUV last week, has expanded its battery lineup with a new 60 kWh option — available exclusively via Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) rental. The move gives buyers a lower monthly battery cost while preserving flexibility to upgrade to the larger 85 kWh pack later.

Sales momentum and market positioning

The Onvo L90 posted 1,976 cumulative deliveries within its first 72 hours, landing it among the top three large-SUV sellers for the week. According to Yiche data, that initial performance exceeded the combined deliveries of Li Auto’s L9 and L8 package by 775 units, underlining strong market interest in the L90 as a mainstream electric SUV contender.

Pricing and Battery-as-a-Service details

With the BaaS model, the Onvo L90 starts at 179,800 yuan (about 25,000 USD). The newly launched 60 kWh battery rental reduces the monthly fee to 599 yuan (about 83 USD), down from 899 yuan (about 125 USD) for the default 85 kWh battery rental — a meaningful saving for cost-conscious EV buyers.

Upgrade and downgrade flexibility

Onvo builds in several upgrade paths for customers who take delivery with the 60 kWh battery but later need more capacity:

  • Daily upgrade: 45 yuan (approx. 6 USD) per day
  • Monthly upgrade: 800 yuan (approx. 112 USD) per month
  • Annual upgrade: 8,800 yuan (approx. 1,223 USD) per year
  • Permanent upgrade: monthly battery rental becomes 899 yuan (approx. 125 USD)

Upgrades made within one year of delivery incur only a nominal 1 yuan (about 14 cents) service fee; Onvo covers the remainder. Upgrades after one year follow prevailing service fee standards. Drivers who initially take the 85 kWh pack can also opt to downgrade and rent the 60 kWh pack later. Note: the 60 kWh battery cannot be purchased outright — it is offered only through BaaS.

Vehicle specifications, design and performance overview

While Onvo’s announcement focuses on battery configuration and pricing, the L90 remains positioned as a premium large electric SUV with spacious interior packaging and a design aimed at family buyers and tech-savvy consumers. The two battery options (60 kWh rental and 85 kWh rental) let buyers tailor cost and range trade-offs. Owners can expect typical EV conveniences such as regenerative braking, fast-charging compatibility, and the safety and comfort features associated with the Onvo/Nio ecosystem.

Comparisons and buyer considerations

Against competitors like Li Auto’s L9 and L8, the L90’s early delivery figures show strong consumer appetite. The 60 kWh BaaS option targets buyers prioritizing lower monthly cost and flexibility rather than maximum electric range. For buyers who anticipate long-range driving needs, the 85 kWh rental remains the preferred choice, with short-term upgrade options available as usage patterns evolve.

Adoption and final notes

Onvo reports that roughly 70% of current L90 buyers select the BaaS solution, indicating strong market acceptance of battery rental models among EV shoppers. The new 60 kWh rental tier gives prospective buyers another way to lower upfront ownership costs while keeping paths open for temporary or permanent battery upgrades based on real-world needs.

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"Hey there, I’m Daniel. From vintage engines to electric revolutions — I live and breathe cars. Buckle up for honest reviews and in-depth comparisons."

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