A N and Ni co-doped BiVO4/TiO2 nanotube array photoanode with rich oxygen vacancies is fabricated via the sequential hydrothermal-calcination method. Strong visible-infrared light absorption, good charge separation and transfer and improved water oxidation kinetics are realized through double point defects, leading to the optimal photothermal effect-enhanced photocurrent density of up to 3.15 mA cm-2 without a co-catalyst.