Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
Last December, Shanghai-based Nio Group introduced Firefly, its third brand, which targets the compact segment and a younger audience, competing with brands like BMW’s Mini and Smart.
The brand’s chief Daniel Jin revealed on Tuesday that the official launch, where price details, delivery timeline and interior are anticipated to be revealed, will take place on April 19.
On the Firefly app, the executive commented on the extension of the partnership with the battery giant CATL where Nio confirmed that the Firefly brand will adopt their standards and network.
“Today’s news about Nio Energy and CATL strengthening their cooperation on the battery swap network has brought a lot of attention to Firefly,” he wrote.
Daniel Jin revealed that the company plans to have “demonstration operation stations in cities with a higher concentration of users” in an initial phase as Nio Group prepares to reveal the new generation of battery swap stations.
“I’d like to explain our strategy for Firefly’s battery swap stations: In the early stages after launch, Firefly-branded models will have demonstration operation stations in cities with a higher concentration of users,” he stated.
“Later, they will be integrated into Nio’s 5th-generation battery swap stations and become part of the Nio battery swap system. Currently, we are conducting pre-research on future models, which will follow CATL’s “Chocolate” battery swap standards and network,” Jin added before revealing the launch date for the brand’s debut model.
“Taking this opportunity, I’d also like to officially announce that Firefly’s first model will be launched on April 19. Stay tuned, and let’s shine freely and charge up together!” he concluded.
Earlier this year, Jin stated that pre-orders have exceeded the company’s expectations, with the majority being placed on the night of the model’s launch on December 21.
The first deliveries are expected to start to begin in China in late April.
With a pre-order price of 148,000 yuan ($20,450), the fully electric model will use a 42.1 kWh battery pack, providing an estimated range of 420 km (260 miles) under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).
Previously, an MIIT filing confirmed that Firefly’s debut model will feature a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by Chinese battery manufacturer Sunwoda.
The compact EV is powered by a rear-wheel-drive motor from Nio’s motor subsidiary, XPT, delivering a peak power of 105 kW and a top speed of 150 kilometers per hour.
Unlike Nio’s main brand, which sells directly to consumers, Firefly will adopt a different approach, selling its vehicles through distribution partners in each country.
