Nio brings Firefly: New electric hatchback for young buyers in Europe!

Chinese electric car manufacturer Nio has introduced a new sub-brand called Firefly, which will be positioned in the sub-segment below Nio. Firefly is the focus of young buyers and places particular emphasis on lifestyle. With this new development, Nio wants to specifically tap into new customer groups. However, information about the market launch in Europe is still pending.

The first model from Firefly is designed as a five-door compact car and impresses with its eye-catching design. The front and rear lights consist of three round elements, and although Nio has released few technical details about the Firefly model, the vehicle is expected to achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP testing procedure. Firefly vehicles are designed to be maneuverable and have the ability to park themselves. The trunk can be enlarged to up to 1,250 liters with the rear seat backs folded down, and there is also 92 liters of storage space available under the front hood.

Market launch and competition

The Firefly brand was launched back on December 21, while CEO William Li confirmed that the Firefly electric hatchback will be launched in Europe in the first half of 2025. The vehicle, which is not compatible with Nio's extensive battery swap system, will be launched in China in April 2025. The pre-sale price for the first model is 148,800 yuan (around $20,400), with deliveries expected to follow shortly thereafter.

Firefly aims to compete with other electric vehicles, both in China, where there are rivals such as the BYD Dolphin, Zeekr X and Lynk & Co Z20, and in Europe, where it will compete with the Volkswagen ID.3, BMW Mini and Smart #1. Information about which European countries the launch will take place in or which retailers will be available as partners is currently unknown, but Li stressed that their partners "must be ready."