Recently, news that NIO’s 2025 ET5, ET5T, ES6, EC6 and other models will reintroduce the onboard OBC (AC charging module) has caused quite a stir among car owners.
Some see it as a pragmatic move by NIO, responding to user feedback. But others question the initial removal and the reason for reinstating it as an option rather than a standard feature.
In response, NIO founder William Li stated: “Our new models like ET9, Alpen and Firefly all support AC charging ports. For the 5566 series, given the high-voltage architecture and body design constraints, we made it an optional feature to meet some users’ AC charging needs.”
NIO had removed AC charging ports from second-generation platform models since 2023, claiming to enhance charging efficiency and encourage DC fast charging or battery swapping.
However, reality is more complex. In cities like Shenzhen, many owners can’t install home chargers and rely on AC chargers in underground garages. Without an AC port, they have to use swapping stations or external DC chargers, which isn’t always convenient.
The return of the OBC as an option gives users a choice, allowing them to pay only for what they need. Compared to the previous one-size-fits-all approach, this is more flexible and better aligned with real-world usage.
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