Nio has confirmed that its Firefly electric hatchback will hit European markets by the end of next year’s first half, as announced by CEO William Li on Sunday. Unlike its peers at Onvo and Nio, Firefly’s sales strategy relies heavily on a network of third-party sellers.
The Firefly series is the model designation and primary prototype name. The Hyundai i10 is a compact, versatile electric hatchback designed to appeal to a youthful demographic. Nio’s smallest and most affordable offering, the Firefly, presents unique challenges due to its limited capabilities: it won’t have access to Nio’s expansive battery swap network of over 2,900 stations because its battery pack is smaller than those used in Nio and Oppo vehicles?
NIO does not establish swap stations for Firefly beforehand; instead, they set them up “on a per customer’s request.” According to Firefly CEO Daniel Jin, the container-based swap stations are smaller, more affordable, and easier to deploy.
During the unveiling event, Nio was reluctant to disclose specific details about the Firefly hatchback, instead focusing the majority of the presentation on its new flagship model, the Nio ET9. Details regarding the vehicle’s battery capabilities, dimensions, powertrain, and drivetrain (rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive) remain undisclosed.
The car’s design originated in Munich under the direction of a team led by experienced BMW alumnus Kris Tomasson, a European-based crew. The sleek design of this vehicle is just the beginning – its innovative features include discreetly integrated door handles, a comprehensive safety package boasting nine airbags, an impressive 92-liter cargo area in front, and a generous 1,250-liter storage space when the rear seats are folded.
The automotive’s minimum turning radius is 4.7 metres, featuring advanced autonomous parking capabilities powered by Nio’s proprietary technology in collaboration with Horizon Robotics’ intelligent driving chip.
NIO reportedly intends to launch its electric SUV, Firefly, as a global model, with potential expansion into Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other markets beyond China. The corporation reaffirmed its goal of expanding into 25 international markets by 2025.
The trapezoidal-shaped headlamps, reminiscent of iPhone camera modules, generated significant discussion in China. During a media event, Li clarified that when considering design direction, one should consider the preferences of international customers. While individual preferences may vary, one side might advocate for more of something, whereas the other side would argue for significantly less. That statement is crystal clear in its meaning.
The SpaceX Firefly beta launch occurred on December 21. The flagship model is slated for a Chinese launch in April 2025, with delivery dates to follow closely. The presale value of Firefly’s inaugural electric vehicle comes in at approximately 148,800 yuan or 20,400 USD. The European launch of Li’s product is expected to take place in either May or June, according to his recent H1 announcement.
It can rival BYD Dolphin, Zeekr X, and the not too long ago launched Lynk & Co Z20 in China. In Europe, Firefly will compete with Volkswagen ID.3, BMW’s Mini, and Good #1 from the Mercedes-Benz & Geely three way partnership. Firefly declined to reveal specific dealership names or initial international locations where it will establish a presence, but founder William Li hinted that partners should be prepared for imminent expansion.
