Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio has launched a smartphone that is designed to work with its electric cars. The phone, called the Nio Phone, is the first car-specific phone to be sold by a Chinese firm.

The Nio Phone has a number of features that are designed to work with Nio electric vehicles, such as the ability to:

• Unlock the car
• Start the engine
• Park the car remotely
• Check the battery status
• Find charging stations
• Request roadside assistance

The phone also has a dedicated Nio app that provides users with access to a variety of vehicle-related information and services. For example, users can use the app to:

• Track their car’s location
• Set climate control settings
• Preheat the car’s cabin
• Schedule charging sessions

The Nio Phone is currently only available for purchase in China, and deliveries are scheduled to begin on September 28, 2023. It is priced between 6,499 and 7,499 yuan ($890-$1,030).

Some analysts have questioned the wisdom of Nio launching a smartphone, given that the company is already facing losses and competition from other Chinese EV makers. However, Nio CEO William Li has said that the phone is an important part of the company’s strategy to create a “community” of Nio users. He has also said that the phone will help Nio to collect more data about its users and their driving habits, which will allow the company to improve its products and services.

It will be interesting to see how the Nio Phone is received by consumers. If it is successful, it could lead to other EV makers launching their own smartphones.

In addition to the features mentioned above, the Nio Phone also has a number of other features that make it a compelling device, including:

• A powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
• A 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate
• A 50MP triple-lens rear camera system
• A 16MP front-facing camera
• A 4600mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging

The Nio Phone is a well-rounded device with a number of features that will appeal to both EV owners and non-EV owners alike. It will be interesting to see if the phone is a success, and if it leads to other EV makers launching their own smartphones.