Nio has launched its Hungarian website as the electric vehicle manufacturer prepares to enter the Central European market in December, as first announced in June.
The Shanghai-based EV maker was founded in November 2014 by William Li.
The premium brand will be offering four models in the market: the ET5 sedan, ET5 Touring wagon, EL6 crossover, and the EL8 six-seater SUV. ´
Compared to the existing markets, Nio will not offer its larger ‘7 Series’ models — the ET7 sedan and EL7 SUV — in the new markets.
The Firefly sub-brand will offer its sole model, though the brand has not yet launched its official website or disclosed pricing for the Hungarian market.
AutoWallis is Nio‘s partner for Hungary, and it also holds rights for Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania, with the last three markets planned for entry by 2026.
The Hungarian expansion was first announced in June alongside other markets where the company plans to enter with both Nio and Firefly brands.
Nio‘s expansion targets include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Romania as the next step in its European growth journey.
Manufacturing Presence
Nio already maintains a significant industrial footprint in Hungary through its battery swapping station manufacturing plant in Biatorbágy, outside Budapest.
The Nio Power Europe Plant spans approximately 10,000 square meters and is responsible for assembling battery swap stations for the European market.
Established in 2022, it was the company’s first plant outside China.
Swap Station Network Stalled
Nio‘s European battery swap station expansion has slowed significantly after rapid initial growth.
The company expanded to 30 stations by November 2023 and added 20 more in just eight months, bringing the total to 50 by July 2024.
Since then, only 11 new stations have opened and one was closed.
The 60th location opened in April, while the 59th was inaugurated in December 2024.
The 61st station recently opened in Germany, however the company closed its facility in Denmark.
Nio currently operates 60 stations across Germany, Norway, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands.
AutoWallis Partnership
The AutoWallis Group was among the first distributors to enter into partnerships with Chinese brands in the region, including BYD, MG, and Farizon.
Earlier this year, the group recently secured exclusive distribution rights for the Xpeng brand in three countries: Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Nio first entered Europe via Norway in September 2021 and expanded to Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden in 2022.
