A Convertible Version Of The EP9 Electric Supercar Has Been Patented By NIO

NIO, a Chinese electric car startup, launched the EP9, its first production vehicle, almost five years ago, and while it's unclear how many were produced, it served as a halo vehicle and promoted the brand.

Patent pictures obtained by CNEVPost reveal a convertible version of the all-electric EP9 supercar issued by NIO with the China National Intellectual Property Administration.

This patent foregoes the conventional model's fixed roof in favor of a wraparound windscreen. There's no sign that a roof can be attached to the windscreen, implying that it'll always be a droptop.

Except for the absence of a roof, the EP9's exterior design has remained relatively the same, except for a massive aerodynamic fin located directly behind the cab.

While the concept of a convertible NIO EP9 is intriguing, it would be unexpected if the company released one five years after the coupe.

With that stated, now that NIO is a publicly-traded company, we wouldn't rule out the possibility of a new halo performance car. Not only would this help the company's stock price, but it would also help to promote the brand.

Four inboard electric motors produce 1,360 PS (1,341 hp) and 1,480 Nm (1,091 lb-ft) of torque in the NIO EP9 coupe. This enables it to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 313 km/h (194 mph).