Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO has officially begun operations in Uzbekistan, opening its first branded NIO Space showroom in Tashkent. This is the brand's first official location in Central Asia. Founded in 2014 and often referred to as the "Chinese Tesla," NIO is known for its NIO Power rapid battery swap technology, which allows the battery to be replaced in a matter of minutes instead of using standard charging.
In the Uzbek market, the brand has introduced several electric vehicle models, including the ET9, EL8, EL6, ET5, and ET5 Touring, as well as vehicles from the Leto sub-brand — the L90 and L60. Special attention is being given to the Leto models, which will become key to promotion in the local market.
ABU Sahiy Motors, which became NIO's exclusive distributor in Uzbekistan, plans to develop a service network and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as launch localized services for EV owners. The partnership between ABU Sahiy Motors and NIO was announced in August 2025 and is aimed at the comprehensive development of the country's electric vehicle market.