Nio Onvo L90 to Feature Shenji NX9031 Autonomous Driving Chip in 2026

Advancing its semiconductor independence strategy, Nio is equipping the upcoming Onvo L90 with its internally developed Shenji NX9031 chip, marking a major technological shift within its product ecosystem. The 2026 electric SUV, scheduled for unveiling on April 21, reflects the company’s commitment to vertically integrating critical technologies. This move also aligns with Nio’s broader transition away from third-party chip suppliers and toward full-stack in-house innovation. The integration of advanced chips into sub-brands highlights the company’s intent to scale its proprietary solutions across multiple vehicle lines.

In-House Chip Strategy Expands Across Product Portfolio

Nio has already implemented its proprietary Shenji NX9031 chip across its primary vehicle lineup, signaling a decisive move away from Nvidia’s Orin-X platform. By extending this technology into the Onvo brand, the company reinforces its control over both hardware and software ecosystems. This strategic shift enables tighter integration with autonomous driving systems and enhances overall system efficiency. Additionally, in-house development allows faster iteration cycles, improved cost management in the long term, and better alignment with evolving automotive AI requirements.

Shenji NX9031 Delivers High Computing Performance

The Shenji NX9031 chip is built using a 5-nanometer automotive-grade process, positioning it among the most advanced ADAS chips currently available. With over 50 billion transistors, it delivers exceptional computational power tailored for complex driving scenarios. The chip also offers a memory bandwidth of 546 GB/s, significantly surpassing many existing solutions. This capability enables efficient processing of large-scale data models, which is essential for modern ADAS systems. The chip has already supported more than 200,000 users, demonstrating its scalability and real-world reliability.

Technical Specifications of Shenji NX9031 Chip

The following table summarizes the key specifications and capabilities of the Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip used in the Onvo L90.

Nio World Model Enhances Autonomous Intelligence

The 2026 Onvo L90 will debut the Nio World Model, a multivariate autoregressive generative driving model designed to enhance real-time decision-making. This system enables vehicles to interpret complex environmental data and predict outcomes with higher accuracy. Combined with closed-loop reinforcement learning, the model continuously improves performance based on driving scenarios. It significantly enhances features such as parking, navigation, and active safety. By leveraging machine learning, the system delivers a more adaptive and intelligent driving experience.

Dual Autonomous Driving Configurations with LiDAR

The updated L90 will be offered in multiple autonomous driving configurations, including a flagship version equipped with LiDAR and a pure-vision variant. This dual approach allows Nio to cater to different market segments and cost considerations. While LiDAR enhances perception accuracy in complex environments, the vision-based system focuses on scalability and cost efficiency. The inclusion of advanced sensing technologies strengthens the vehicle’s position in the competitive EV market. These configurations ensure flexibility while maintaining high safety and performance standards.

Pricing and Cost Implications of Upgraded Technology

The current Onvo L90 is priced between 265,800 yuan and 299,800 yuan, and the updated version is expected to see a cost increase of approximately 10,000 yuan. This rise is attributed to higher component costs, particularly in high-performance memory and advanced semiconductor integration. Despite the increase, the added capabilities in autonomous driving and computing performance justify the premium. The enhancements position the L90 as a technologically advanced offering within its segment, balancing innovation with market competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shenji NX9031 chip used in the Onvo L90?
The Shenji NX9031 is an in-house developed autonomous driving chip by Nio designed to power advanced driver assistance systems. Built on a 5-nanometer process, it features over 50 billion transistors and delivers high computational performance for real-time decision-making. The chip supports large-scale AI models and provides high memory bandwidth, enabling efficient data processing. It enhances driving, safety, and system responsiveness, making it a critical component in next-generation electric vehicles.

What is the Nio World Model in the 2026 Onvo L90?
The Nio World Model is an advanced generative AI-based driving system designed to improve autonomous driving capabilities. It uses multivariate autoregressive modeling to understand and predict driving environments. Combined with reinforcement learning, it continuously refines performance through real-world data. This system enhances navigation, parking, and safety by enabling smarter decisions and better adaptability. It represents a significant step toward fully intelligent and self-learning vehicle systems.