A “long-range” Firefly variant will be introduced, featuring a larger battery with a range of 500–600 km and backward compatibility with existing configurations.
On October 25, NIO founder William Li revealed during a user event that the company’s entry-level model, the “Firefly,” has signed a dealership agreement in Thailand and will launch a right-hand-drive (RHD) version locally.
The model is also set to enter other RHD markets including Singapore, the UK, and Australia in the near future.
Li noted that NIO was initially cautious about the premium compact segment, citing models such as Mini and smart that struggled to gain traction in China, where consumers tend to favor larger vehicles at similar price points.
However, Firefly’s performance has exceeded expectations since launch. The model delivered 5,775 units in September, up 33% year-on-year, bringing cumulative deliveries to 20,330 units by the end of September. Deliveries have already started in several European countries.
At the same event, NIO’s head of user operations, Pu Yang, confirmed that a “long-range” Firefly variant will be introduced, featuring a larger battery with a range of 500–600 km and backward compatibility with existing configurations.
Firefly had originally been planned with two battery options, and this upgrade will provide users with an extended-range alternative, potentially boosting future sales.
In terms of design and positioning, Li said Firefly was developed to offer distinctive styling, a premium interior, and high safety standards. The model has performed strongly in crash tests this year.
In July, it received top ratings in all categories from the China Insurance Automotive Safety Index (C-IASI), becoming the highest-rated small car in the organization’s history. In September, it earned a five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).
In June, NIO announced plans to further expand in Europe over the next two years, targeting entry into Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Romania between 2025 and 2026.
The company intends to offer models including the ET5 and ET5 Touring, EL6 (marketed as ES6 in China), EL8 (ES8 in China), and Firefly across these markets.
NIO has already begun sales in Belgium, where the Firefly is priced at €29,990 ($34,900). According to the plan, NIO will enter Austria and Hungary in 2025, with its Austrian website already live and product and service preparations underway.
In February 2026, NIO will officially launch both the NIO and Firefly brands in Luxembourg, followed by rollouts in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania later that year.
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