Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
(Update: Nio’s AVP Lin Ma has commented on Reuters’ report: “A battery swap station is like a gas station for electric vehicles. A battery swap station is like a range extender for electric vehicles. A battery swap station is a range station for electric vehicles. Which description is best? Battery swap stations are widespread; who needs a range extender?”)
Shanghai-based media outlet Yicai reported on Friday that Nio is preparing to introduce its first hybrid model in 2026, featuring an extended-range powertrain. The vehicle would form part of Firefly‘s lineup, Nio’s second sub-brand.
However, Nio’s Co-Founder and President Lihong Qin has publicly denied that Firefly, set to launch on December 21, will remain exclusively focused on pure electric technology.
“The Firefly brand will be launched on Nio Day 2024 and will continue to follow the ‘chargeable, swappable, and upgradable’ pure electric technology route,” Qin told Cailian, refuting reports of a hybrid model.
On Monday, Reuters — citing two people with knowledge of the matter — said the company is planning to launch the range-extended hybrid model in 2026, adding that it will aim to sell it in international markets, including the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
The report stated that the sources added the adoption of Nio’s first non-BEV model was suggested by its main investor, Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holding, to “boost sales in Middle Eastern markets, where the infrastructure is not ready for mass adoption of EVs.”
Nio’s Co-Founder and President Lihong Qin has denied that the electric vehicle maker’s upcoming sub-brand Firefly will launch an extended-range electric (EREV) model. This refutes a Yicai report suggesting a potential launch in 2026.
The Firefly brand is set to enter the European market in 2025, despite looming tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Nio aims to position Firefly as an affordable yet high-quality electric vehicle brand designed to appeal to European consumers.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
