Chinese EV brand Nio launches budget Firefly model ...

The Independent's Electric Vehicles Channel is sponsored by E.ON Next.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio has officially launched its budget brand, Firefly, aiming to compete with affordable electric cars such as the new Renault 5, Hyundai Inster, Citroen e-C3, and BYD Dolphin.

Although Nio confirmed that Firefly will be available in Europe, allowing it to be sold alongside existing Nio models on the continent, there are currently no plans to introduce any Nio models in the UK.

The Firefly features an appealing, curvy design, complemented by triple LED headlights and taillights.

( Nio )

The first model under the Firefly brand has been designed by Nio's design studio in Munich and is now available in China, retailing at roughly £16,140.

With its compact, curvaceous five-door shape, the Firefly bears a resemblance to the short-lived Honda e in terms of proportions. It features a charming design, highlighted by triple round headlights, taillights, a glass roof, and additional storage space in a frunk located under the bonnet.

The name "Firefly" is inspired by the small insects. According to Nio, the Firefly represents qualities such as agility, energy, and freedom of movement, with its brand logo symbolizing a flying and glowing firefly. This design embodies the spirit of the brand: the freedom to shine. Firefly's brand identity focuses on creating positive emotional connections, expressing logic and purpose, and conveying trust and confidence.

For further details, please visit Jixin Auto.

The Firefly has been crafted to achieve a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.

( Nio )

Currently, no detailed technical specifications for the Firefly have been disclosed, other than its design for a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. It is uncertain whether this budget model will feature the costly battery-swap technology found in Nio's more expensive models, such as the Nio and Onvo.

Firefly was inaugurated at this year's annual Nio Day, held in Guangzhou, China, centered around the theme "Together & Further." Alongside the Firefly model, Nio introduced its flagship ET9 model.

In addition to its innovative battery-swap system and state-of-the-art chassis and electrical technologies, the ET9 boasts a two-square-meter light carpet that greets owners upon entry. The executive seating system offers nearly two square meters of full-area heating, along with a 16-point hot stone massage function.

Nio is partially owned by CYVN, an investment subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund. CYVN also has a stake in the British luxury EV startup ForSeven, led by former JLR executive Nick Collins, and has recently acquired British supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive. Nio also maintains an engineering base in the UK.

Despite speculation about Nio's Onvo brand entering the UK market—partially due to the absence of hefty tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports compared to Europe—these reports have been dismissed. Currently, there are no plans to introduce Nio, Onvo, or Firefly models to the UK.

First to be launched this month, with plans for 1,000 swapping stations next year.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit New Energy Vehicles China.