What’s next for Chinese electric-car startup NextEV" The company provided a peek into its future at the South by Southwest Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas. Taking the name Nio (not an acronym, the name is inspired by the Greek neo), it unveiled a forward-looking concept called Eve, previewing an EV the company hopes to launch in the U.S. market in 2020.
The Eve concept’s one-box design is highlighted by a helicopter-style glass canopy; superior visibility is a key characteristic. And it features an ultra-spacious interior with five-plus-one seating; the plus-one can be folded down from the front passenger seat.

Although the Eve is equipped for Stage 5 fully autonomous driving, it features a steering wheel and pedals in case a driver wishes to take over. There isn’t a lot of storage space. “We figure the occupants will want to use what they take along for the trip,” explained Kris Tomasson, vice president of design at NextEV. The vehicle planned for the U.S. market will be somewhat futuristic and spacious; it’s likely to feature third-row seating. It will be fully electric and offer Stage 3 and Stage 4 autonomous-driving capability. The U.S.-bound model will be preceded by the launch of a fully electric SUV in the company’s home market of China. Internally called ES8, that model is due out in 2018.

Nio’s credibility is bolstered by the brand’s fully electric EP9 supercar, of which the company has produc...