Chinese Firefly lands in Europe with this electric car

Nio presents the first car of its Firefly brand for Europe: in China it costs less than £17,000 and arrives in the first half of 2025

Photo by: Nio

By: Francesco Barontini

Dec 26, 2024 at 3:34am ET

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Nio, in Europe, is struggling a bit. The Chinese manufacturer produces top-of-the-range electric cars, and considering the figures for zero-emission cars in the Old Continent and the average price of the Shanghai brand's models, it is clear that the numbers can only be small.

But Nio still believes in the European project. And with the Firefly brand, it could find a key to growth here too. Under this name, the company intends to sell smaller, but still premium electric cars in Europe. The idea is to offer an alternative to models such as the smart #1 and #3 or Mini's electrics.

It will have battery swap

Will it happen? It's only a little while to find out. Firefly will make its debut in Europe in the first half of 2025. It will do so with a range of models that will rely on local sales and service partners to make inroads with motorists, so as to develop a network more quickly in order to be present in all markets.

Nio Firefly: the front end is somewhat reminiscent of the Honda and

Photo by: Nio

In addition, as is traditional for the group, the Firefly will also rely on a system of battery swap stations for on-the-fly battery replacement. Compared to the Nio, the focus will be on simpler and less expensive systems (it is thought that a Firefly station could cost 60% less), but just as effective.

Starting with the hatchback

William Li, founder and CEO of Nio, outlined Firefly's strategy for Europe recently during the customary Nio Day (end-of-year meeting with investors and stakeholders). The first model of the new brand, which has already gone on sale in China at a price of less than €20,000 (approx. £17,000), will be delivered from April.

It is simply called the Firefly, like the badge it bears on its bonnet, and is a kind of compact hatchback designed by a design team led by Kris Tomasson, a former BMW. It is inspired - at least according to official statements - by fireflies, which are considered a symbol of freedom and uniqueness.

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The Nio Firefly arrives in Europe in the first half of 2025

Photo by: Nio

Small on the outside, big on the inside, it promises to be technologically advanced and extremely versatile. For example, it claims a load capacity of 1,250 litres to which is added a 92-litre frunk that, like the Ford Puma's Gigabox, is fully washable.