Two photos of a right-hand drive Firefly EV model circulated on social media on Tuesday, suggesting that Nio’s sub-brand is testing its debut model in Australia ahead of a broader international rollout.
The uncovered hatchback was seen parked on Monday at 864 Blackburn Road in Clayton, Victoria — about 24 kilometres from central Melbourne, the country’s second-largest city.
The vehicle’s badge was concealed, but it carried local Victorian licence plates.
Firefly, an affordable sub-brand from Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio, is currently sold only in China, where deliveries began in late April.
However, the rollout plan includes 16 countries by the year-end.
Test drives in the Netherlands and Norway are scheduled to start this summer, with customer deliveries expected to follow later this year.
In addition to these two European markets, Firefly is set to launch in Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania — all new territories for Nio alongside its premium brand.
Hedin Mobility Group, Nio’s local partner for Belgium and Luxembourg, said sales in Belgium will begin in September, with Luxembourg expected to follow in 2026.
AutoWallis, the company’s distributor for Austria, Hungary, Romania, Czechia and Poland, said this month that sales in Austria and Hungary would commence between October and December.
In Asia, Firefly is expected to expand to Singapore later this year. It remains unclear whether the sub-brand will be offered in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, where Nio already sells its premium lineup.
Nio first entered Europe via Norway in September 2021, and expanded to Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden the following year.
After announcing earlier this month that it is entering seven new markets in Europe, Nio said last week it will enter Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria.
Nio continues to switch to a mixed business model, which includes its direct-to-consumer showrooms but also local dealerships.
The brand previously focused only on a direct-to-consumer business model, considering it better aligned with the premium segment the company aims at.
The Nio Group aims to be present in 25 countries by the end of this year.
As of April 28, Nio operated 59 battery swap stations across the old continent.
