To differentiate, we’ll refer to the brand as “Firefly” and the model as “Firefly EV” – officially, the brand and model have the same name. The Firefly EV is priced at 148,800 yuan, or around 19,580 euros, in pre-sale starting now. However, Nio has not yet clarified whether this includes a battery or whether the monthly battery rental fee will be added to the purchase price.
The Firefly EV has a battery swap system as usual on the Nio. However, the company did not provide any technical data about the drive system of the new compact electric car for its premiere on Nio Day 2024. Therefore, it is unclear exactly how big the batteries will be. The only thing that’s clear is that these are not the familiar 75 and 100 kWh battery packs from Nio and Onvo – these are quite large in terms of their dimensions. It has also been confirmed that the Firefly will have an “exclusive” network of non-Nio/Onvo compatible battery exchange stations. But as we mentioned, there are no details yet.
The main thing we have to see about the Firefly EV is its design and the few dimensions that Nio has confirmed. Lights characterize the Firefly EV’s appearance: three round lights arranged in a triangle on each side, front and rear. For some, it brings back memories of the Honda e, which also used the same lighting design at the front and rear. However, with its very independent interpretation of this idea, the Firefly EV does not feel like a copy.
However, in one respect, the first Firefly is said to be similar to the now-discontinued Honda e: the turning circle should be very small. Nio talks about a turning radius (not turning circle) of 4.7 metres, which would also make the Firefly EV suitable for European markets. In the original plans, the model was supposed to be launched in Europe first and then in China later. However, due to slowing demand (particularly from Nio in Europe) and special tariffs that have now been imposed, the Firefly EV will now go on sale in China starting in April. The European launch is scheduled to take place shortly afterwards, but in the first half of 2025.
With its purely electric platform, the Firefly EV should also offer good space economy. Nio claims a boot volume of 1,250 liters (with the rear seat backrests folded down). A 92-litre trunk was placed under the hood. However, there are no photos of the passenger cabin yet.
However, there is information about the planned sales model: Firefly will be distributed via already existing Nio structures, while a separate sales organization will be created for the Onvo brand. Reports have drawn similarities between Nio, Firefly, BMW and Mini. However, this only applies to China. As stated by Nio CEO William Lee, sales are planned via retail partners in Europe. In contrast to the Nio brand’s direct sales model in Europe, the Firefly brand will rely on local partner outlets, according to Lee. One partner can also be responsible for multiple countries. Lee has not yet named any potential partners.
At 148,800 yuan, the Firefly EV is the company’s cheapest model and the same price as the Mini I just mentioned, but it still doesn’t qualify for a price break by Chinese standards. Xpeng’s Mona M03 is available for 119,800 yuan – but it’s an electric saloon measuring approximately 4.80 meters long, not a compact car. Prices for Europe are not yet known, but are likely to be much higher than around €20,000 in China due to customs duties and transportation costs.
Nio also launched its flagship model ET9, which was introduced about a year ago, in the Chinese market. The 900V saloon with a battery starts at prices from 788,000 yuan (about 104,000 euros), with deliveries scheduled to begin in March 2025. With the battery-as-a-service model for Nio exchange stations, the ET9 is available from 660,000 yuan (about 64,850 euros), but after that Add ongoing battery costs.
There is also the ‘First Edition’ of the 5.33 meter long electric saloon, production limited to 999 units. This variant stands out from the standard model with several upgrades inside. At 690,000 or 818,000 yuan, including battery, the “First Edition” is 30,000 yuan (about 3,950 euros) more expensive.
nio.com (media release), cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com (both Firefly), cnevpost.com (European Firefly launch), carnewschina.com, cnevpost.com (both Nio ET9)
