The electric vehicle (EV) sector has seen its share of challenges recently, particularly in 2025, as regulatory changes in the U.S. administration have caused some turbulence for investors. The rollback of incentives like the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, the imposition of tariffs on imported vehicles, and shifts in emissions regulations negatively impacted many automakers, leading to a reassessment of their significant EV investment commitments and billions in special charges.
Despite these obstacles, Lucid Motors and Nio have demonstrated remarkable resilience and are poised for solid momentum as they head into 2026. However, the question remains: are they wise investments for risk-tolerant buyers?
For investors seeking exposure to the burgeoning Chinese EV market, Nio emerges as a compelling candidate. The company has benefited significantly from government subsidies and a robust domestic adoption rate, which has enabled it to advance in technology and software development while maintaining competitive pricing. Nio broke records in December, achieving a remarkable 54.6% year-over-year increase in vehicle deliveries, totaling 48,135. The company also reported a staggering 71.7% growth in deliveries for the fourth quarter, reaching 124,807 vehicles.
Nio’s potential for further growth appears promising. The company’s newer brands, Onvo and Firefly, contributed only about one-third of December’s deliveries. As these brands expand their market presence, Nio’s delivery figures are expected to continue rising. Even more encouraging is the significant improvement in vehicle margins and gross profits reported in the third quarter, indicating that Nio’s growth is becoming more profitable.
Lucid Motors also demonstrated strong momentum entering 2026, despite admitting to a slower-than-anticipated ramp-up of its new Gravity SUV. However, production rates have picked up significantly, with the company manufacturing 8,412 vehicles in the fourth quarter, representing a staggering 116% increase from the previous year. Deliveries also saw a robust 31% year-over-year increase, reaching 5,345 vehicles. Notably, Lucid has managed to set delivery records for eight consecutive quarters, suggesting a positive trajectory as it works through supplier bottlenecks.
Despite the optimistic delivery figures for both companies, their financial health tells a different story. While Lucid’s revenue and delivery numbers are on the rise, the company continues to face significant cash burn, and its adjusted EBITDA losses are growing. Additionally, its plans for market entry into Saudi Arabia have been complicated due to its Public Investment Fund (PIF) majority stake.
Conversely, Nio’s financial outlook appears stronger. The company is narrowing its net losses, enhancing vehicle margins, and experiencing increased gross profits. Nio has set an ambitious target for 2026 as its first year to achieve profitability, which would mark a significant milestone for both the company and the broader EV market.
In summary, while Nio shows promising signs of becoming a more stable investment with potential for future growth, Lucid Motors may not be the advisable choice for investors seeking immediate returns due to its ongoing financial challenges. For those looking to invest in the EV sector, keeping a close watch on Nio could be worthwhile, while Lucid may be better observed from the sidelines.
