Nio launches sub-brand with compact electric car

Compact EV

The EV from Nio’s new sub-brand is an answer to competitors such as the electric Mini Cooper and the Smart #1. With its compact size and competitive pricing, the brand hopes to capture a significant market share in the small EV segment, which is especially popular in Europe. As many as four million compact EVs are sold here annually. By comparison, in China this segment remains stuck at 1.2 million units.

Price tag

Pre-sales have started in China with a starting price of 148,800 yuan, which is about 19,500 euros. In China, this places it between models such as the BYD Dolphin and the Smart #1 in terms of price. For the European market, however, the price may be higher due to import duties and taxes.

European launch in 2025

Nio has confirmed that the Firefly will enter the Chinese market in April 2025, with an introduction in Europe thereafter. For now, the car seems to be targeting markets where small electric cars are popular, such as Germany, France and the Netherlands. However, there are no concrete plans for our country yet. Details about the specifications are also lacking, but the compact EV will reportedly get a swappable battery, similar to models from Nio.