To make clear, we are going to seek advice from the model as ‘Firefly’ and the mannequin as ‘Firefly EV’—each the model and mannequin share the identical identify. The Firefly EV is presently accessible for pre-sale at a value of 148,800 yuan, which is roughly 19,580 euros. Nonetheless, Nio has not confirmed whether or not this value contains the battery or if an extra month-to-month battery rental charge will apply.
The Firefly EV incorporates a battery change system typical of Nio. Nonetheless, particular technical particulars concerning the drive system of this new compact electrical automobile weren’t offered throughout its premiere at Nio Day 2024, leaving the battery sizes unknown. It’s confirmed that these batteries differ from Nio and Onvo’s customary 75 and 100 kWh packs, as these could be too giant. Firefly may also implement a devoted community of battery change stations, which won’t be suitable with the prevailing Nio/Onvo programs, however additional particulars are nonetheless pending.
One of many standout options of the Firefly EV is its design. The automobile is characterised by three spherical lights organized in a triangular formation on each the entrance and rear sides, paying homage to the Honda e’s mild design. But, the Firefly EV presents a singular interpretation, making certain it doesn’t resemble a direct copy.
Furthermore, the Firefly EV’s turning traits appear to attract parallels with the now-discontinued Honda e. Nio has reported a turning radius of 4.7 meters, suggesting this mannequin can be well-suited for European markets. Initially, the plan was to launch the Firefly EV in Europe first, adopted by China. Nonetheless, sluggish demand, significantly from Nio in Europe, alongside new tariffs, has shifted this mannequin’s launch to China in April, with a European introduction following shortly within the first half of 2025.
The Firefly EV’s electrical platform is designed to optimize house, boasting a trunk capability of as much as 1,250 liters when the rear seats are folded. Moreover, the automobile features a 92-liter frunk, though photos of the passenger space have but to be launched.
By way of gross sales technique, Firefly will make the most of Nio’s established distribution community, whereas a separate gross sales group is being arrange for the Onvo model. Some stories have drawn comparisons between Nio and Firefly to the connection between BMW and Mini, however this analogy applies solely to their operations in China. Nio CEO William Li has indicated that gross sales in Europe can be via retail companions relatively than direct gross sales, in contrast to the Nio model’s strategy in Europe. A single accomplice could cowl a number of nations, however no potential companions have been publicly named but.
With a beginning value of 148,800 yuan, the Firefly EV is essentially the most inexpensive providing from the corporate, matching the value of the Mini reference. Nonetheless, it’s price noting that it’s not thought-about a finances mannequin by Chinese language requirements, particularly in comparison with the Xpeng Mona M03, which retails for 119,800 yuan however is a bigger electrical sedan. European pricing stays unsure however is anticipated to be considerably larger because of customs duties and transport prices.
Moreover, Nio has launched its flagship mannequin, the ET9, within the Chinese language market. This 900-volt sedan begins at 788,000 yuan (roughly 104,000 euros) with preliminary deliveries set for March 2025. If bought via Nio’s Battery-as-a-Service change stations, the ET9 is obtainable from 660,000 yuan (64,850 euros), with ongoing battery rental prices added.
There may also be a ‘First Version’ of the 5.33-meter-long ET9, restricted to 999 models, that includes a number of inside upgrades in comparison with the usual mannequin. Priced at both 690,000 or 818,000 yuan, together with the battery, this particular version prices 30,000 yuan (round 3,950 euros) greater than the usual model.
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