Recently, Nio’s second brand, Onovo, marked a milestone by unveiling its inaugural vehicle, the L60. NIO has confirmed plans to launch its third model, currently referred to as Firefly. Now, a primary glimpse into the inner workings of the inaugural humanoid prototype emerges.
While glimpsing something through a window may provide a fleeting impression, it’s essential to acknowledge that this visual snippet is essentially a spy shot – albeit an unclear one due to the limited visibility. The Onvo L60’s design deviates from traditional approaches by combining a single display with a head-up display, unlike other manufacturers like Nio, which often feature separate central infotainment displays and instrument panels. In the Firefly’s cockpit, two distinct panels are prominent: an infotainment display and an instrument panel. It seems unlikely that there won’t be a heads-up display. It is widely known that we previously disclosed images showcasing a dual-screen design approximately two months ago, which offered greater clarity.
Firefly’s relationship with NIO might be akin to Mini’s tie to BMW. Initially conceived for the European market, the vehicle was slated for a simultaneous rollout in Europe and China; however, following recent developments, it has been revised to debut in China ahead of its European introduction. The potential shift may be attributed to the EU’s imposition of tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles. The BYD Firefly is reportedly priced between approximately ¥100,000 (USD 14,200) and ¥200,000 (USD 28,350), with the possibility of being marketed as a luxury product in China.
According to a spy shot released by Autohome, the drive selector is situated on a column-mounted stalk, mirroring the design seen on the Volkswagen ID.3. Despite the visual representation, this phenomenon seems disconnected from our initial understanding. The article further alleges the existence of a two-tone steering wheel.
While a precise model identity remains unknown for the third model, its unveiling is expected to take place next year when Firefly arrives on the scene. The primary prototype of the new model has been spotted undergoing rigorous testing in both China and Europe, showcasing its compact dimensions reminiscent of the ID.3. While NIO aligns with enabling battery swapping in its automobiles, this capability is incompatible with the company’s existing battery swap infrastructure, instead utilizing proprietary swap stations approximately the size of a shipping container.
Recent findings suggest that in China, the latest model can be introduced through Nio’s existing sales network rather than establishing a dedicated channel for the model.
Supply: Autohome
