NIO EV9 shattering Nürburgring EV record video

A VIDEO has emerged showing the record-breaking Nürburgring Nordschleife lap by an electric-vehicle.

The NextEV NIO EP9 completed the iconic 20.8km circuit in 7 minutes 5.12 seconds with British racing driver Peter Dumbreck at the wheel, almost 15 seconds quicker than the previous EV record.

Before thinking “wow that’s quick for a glorified milk float” bear in mind that it’s less than 8 seconds slower than Porsche 918 Spyder and quicker than the Ferrari 488, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, Lamborghini Aventador, and Nissan GT-R Nismo.

And while its 13 seconds slower than the recent record set by the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, the lap is nowhere near as contentious.

Despite the lack of screaming pistons, the lap is no less exciting to watch, with the letter box view providing a dramatic sensation of speed. Unfortunately there’s no real-time driving data apart from a map showing where the car is on the course.

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The NIO EP9 features four inboard motors with their own gearbox that send an impressive 1000kW/1480Nm to the wheels and use torque vectoring to get through corners.

Power comes from two gigantic lithium-ion batteries and despite their weight it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 2-7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 313km/h.

As well as brute force the NIO EP9’s performance is aided by an advanced aerodynamic package including an electronically adjustable rear wing that helps generate twice as much downforce as a Formula 1 car.

The price tag is projected to be well north of $1 million, though it’s expected this will simply be a halo model for the Shangai-based company, which intends to build autonomous electric vehicles while maintaining an involvement in the Formula E racing.