This Chinese EV startup just turned car shopping into an exclusive hangout spot
- EV carmaker Nio has exclusive clubs for its customers
- The members-only spaces have a cafe, meeting rooms, and more
- It’s a world away from your typical dealership
Published on May 06, 2025 at 9:45 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on May 06, 2025 at 8:58 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Chinese EV maker Nio has exclusive members-only clubs, called Nio Houses, that turn buying a car into a much more immersive and luxe experience.
The marque, which is headquartered in Shanghai, was established in 2014 and launched its first car, the EP9, in 2016.
The carmaker has since produced hundreds of thousands of electric vehicles.
And it also has a rather unique way of building up a bond with its customers, thanks to its Nio Houses.
DISCOVER SBX CARS – The global premium auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
The Chinese EV maker operates more than 185 Nio Houses
Launching a new car brand is no mean feat, and many startups and new marques will do all they can to stand out in a busy industry.
EV carmaker Nio hopes to go way ‘beyond the car’ with its Nio Houses: exclusive spaces which work a bit like a showroom and a bit like a members-only club.
“An open, welcoming space for our users and community, to express, share, and experience memorable moments together,” the Chinese EV maker explains on its website.
There are over 185 Nio Houses, which are in various malls and city centers throughout the world.
They are made up of numerous areas where you can work, relax, or catch up with like-minded folks.
“Several different areas invite to dwell, to find inspiration, to work out, to work hard, to relax, to meet and celebrate,” the carmaker continues.
“Envisioned for and around our users and community, we want to empower a joyful lifestyle for all.”
What are they like inside?
The Nio Houses are basically split into two main areas, the public showroom to the front and private club spaces to the back.
To get into the members-only part, you’ll need to flash a QR code.
Once inside, it looks a bit like a fancy co–working space, with a cafe, where you can order coffees, teas, and snacks like pastries and sandwiches.
There’s also a library, some bookable meeting rooms with shared work stations, and even a play area for little ones dubbed ‘Joy Camp’.
If working isn’t on your mind, then you can head to the living room where you can relax and chat with other EV owners.
Or you can head into the gallery, where you can find out more about the full range of vehicles and services on offer.
Oh, and if you really like it there, members are even able to reserve the whole place to hold a private event or function.
It’s a world away from your traditional dealership experience, but could this be the future of car buying?
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
