In a heartwarming celebration of innovation and perseverance, electric vehicle manufacturer NIO has reached a remarkable milestone that seemed impossible to many just a few years ago—producing its one millionth vehicle. The achievement marks a triumphant moment not just for the company, but for the entire clean transportation movement.

The millionth vehicle, a stunning Nebula Green NIO ES8, rolled off the production line at NIO Factory Two in Hefei, Anhui Province. In a generous gesture that speaks to the company's values, NIO decided to donate this special vehicle to the Micius Quantum Foundation in Anhui, where it will support the important work of quantum science researchers.

Since its founding in late 2014, NIO has built something truly special—a comprehensive ecosystem spanning vehicle design, manufacturing, sales, and user services. From delivering the first Founders' Edition ES8 in 2018 to today's celebration of one million vehicles across its three brands (NIO, ONVO, and firefly), the company exemplifies the exciting momentum building in China's smart electric vehicle industry.

What makes NIO's story even more inspiring is the scale of their commitment to sustainable infrastructure. The company has invested an impressive 18 billion RMB in charging and battery swapping technology, establishing 8,541 charging and Power Swap Stations across China. These stations have delivered over 96 million battery swaps—a staggering number that demonstrates real-world commitment to making electric vehicle ownership convenient and practical.

The company's founder and CEO, William Li, shared an optimistic vision for the future at the milestone celebration. NIO plans to exceed 10,000 charging and battery swapping stations each by 2030, while maintaining impressive annual volume growth of 40% to 50%. The company is also expanding globally, bringing leading smart electric mobility experiences to users worldwide.

To commemorate this achievement, NIO launched the ET9 Milestone Edition, designed to honor innovators across industries. The company also strengthened its collaborative spirit by signing new partnerships, including a framework agreement with Chery Automobile and JAC Motors to co-build an automotive innovation platform, and a vehicle-chip partnership with Lontium Semiconductor Corporation.

NIO graciously used the occasion to celebrate the broader industry's success as well. China's new energy vehicle production in 2025 is expected to surpass 15 million units, and Chinese automakers are projected to outpace Japanese brands in global vehicle sales for the first time—a historic shift in the automotive landscape.

The company's journey has been fueled by an incredible 65 billion RMB investment in technology research and development, building capabilities across twelve core smart electric vehicle technologies. These long-term investments are now translating into tangible benefits for users and creating sustained competitive advantages.

As William Li beautifully put it, "One million vehicles is a new starting point." With ambitious plans for growth, continued innovation, and a genuine commitment to sustainability, NIO's story reminds us that dedication to a cleaner future can overcome skepticism and achieve remarkable results. The road ahead looks bright for electric mobility.