Nio's first Alps branded EV brags that it's better than the Tesla Model Y in spy shots

Nio is preparing the launch of its first sub-brand, which has so far tentatively been called Alps. This should release cars that are more affordable than Nio's current offerings, and aimed at families apparently. The first car should hit the Chinese market in the second half of this year, and before that happens a lot of testing is necessary of course - some of it on open roads.

That's exactly where a prototype Alps model has been spotted, wearing some pretty lovely camo as you can see. But the camo isn't the most interesting thing about it - it's the inscription on the rear windscreen.

The text roughly translates to "better than Model Y". The Alps is taking a direct stab at Tesla's best selling car, and clearly positioning itself in the market as Nio's alternative. The car is currently codenamed DOM, but it will be marketed as something more catchy of course.

The DOM should start in China at CNY 250,000 (about $34,700 at the current exchange rates), while the Model Y goes for CNY 258,000 ($35,800) to CNY 363,900 ($50,500) right now. So the Alps DOM will be cheaper, and, according to Nio CEO William Li, it will also be faster charging and will have a bigger screen inside.

The DOM will come with two battery options - 60 kWh and 90 kWh, and the entry-level version will be single-motor, but an AWD iteration will be on offer too. The Alps cars will be able to use Nio's battery-swapping network.

Via 1 (in Chinese) | Via 2