Euro-spec NIO Firefly Set for China Debut in September as Domestic Production Ramps Up

As NIO’s Chuzhou plant completes upgrade, Firefly output at NIO’s Chuzhou plant is expected to near 5,000 units this month, with production set to climb over 10% in September.

On August 22, Chinese media outlet Auto Pix reported that NIO will unveil a “special edition” of the ONVO Firefly at this September’s NIO Day, coinciding with the market launch of the third-generation ES8.

Compared with the domestic version, the European-spec Firefly adopts a stiffer chassis and suspension setup, prioritizing handling over comfort. In terms of design, it will also feature a black paint option—previously unavailable in the Chinese market. Pricing is expected to remain consistent with the current lineup.

The Firefly EV is currently sold in two variants in China, priced at RMB 119,800 ($16,690) and RMB 125,800 ($17,520). For buyers opting for the BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) leasing program, the entry price can be lowered to RMB 79,800 ($11,110).

Positioned as a compact smart EV, the Firefly markets itself as “more Mini than Smart, more Smart than Mini,” highlighting agility and playability. Since its launch in April, monthly sales have consistently exceeded 3,000 units.

However, in July, production at NIO’s Chuzhou plant was constrained to just 12 operating days due to a production line upgrade, causing sales to fall to 2,366 units—a 39.83% month-on-month decline. With the upgrade now complete, Firefly output is ramping back up.

Thanks to the gradual recovery in capacity, Firefly’s sales for the week of August 11–17 reached 875 units, representing a 27.9% increase from the previous week.

According to Auto Pix, following the July upgrade, daily output at the Chuzhou plant has rebounded to 220 units, with total production for August projected at around 4,900 units. Fewer than 150 units are designated for export, with the remainder allocated to the domestic market. Production is expected to grow by over 10% month-on-month in September.

As of July 26, cumulative global deliveries of the Firefly had surpassed 10,000 units.