Nio’s new budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand, Firefly, is gearing up for its UK debut as early as October 2025. Right-hand-drive versions of the Firefly hatchback are reportedly already in production, aiming to take on European heavyweights like the Volkswagen ID.2 and the revamped Renault 5 in the fiercely competitive compact EV market.
Revealed in China in April 2025, the Firefly marks Nio’s third brand and its first dive into the small EV segment. The car shares its name with the brand and will leverage Nio’s existing sales, delivery, and aftersales network. With a starting price around 119,800 yuan (approximately 16,500 USD), the Firefly hopes to attract younger buyers looking for affordable, yet technologically advanced, electric rides.
Design and Practicality that Pops
The Firefly immediately catches the eye with its signature “trio” headlight design, featuring three circular LED rings at both the front and rear. Measuring a compact 4003mm long, 1781mm wide, and 1557mm tall, with a 2,615mm wheelbase, it maintains a small footprint perfect for city driving. Yet, it surprisingly offers a practical 92-liter front trunk, complete with drainage and layered storage, which is a neat touch for an EV this size.
Other design elements include sleek blacked-out A- and B-pillars and stylish dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels. A roof spoiler adds a playful flair to its rear styling. Inside, the Firefly boasts a dual-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a floating center screen, and a fully digital instrument cluster. Nio didn’t skimp on safety, using materials certified to infant-care standards. Buyers can personalize their Firefly with four color schemes and two upholstery options.
Performance and Tech for the Urban Jungle
Underneath its sharp exterior, the Firefly uses a single rear-mounted motor, churning out 141 hp. This setup provides a CLTC-rated range of up to 260 miles (around 418 km), making it ideal for daily commutes and weekend adventures. One of its standout features is its best-in-class 4.7-meter turning radius, which makes maneuvering in tight urban spaces a breeze. Plus, it comes with full-scenario automated parking, a genuinely useful tech feature for urban drivers.
Sales numbers are already looking good. In May, its first full month on the market, the Firefly delivered 3,680 units, significantly contributing to Nio’s 13.1% year-on-year growth that month. Cumulative deliveries have already topped 3,900 units.
Nio’s Ambitious European Expansion
Nio President Qin Lihong shared at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show that right-hand-drive Firefly models are specifically being developed, with the UK being a prime target market in Europe. While an official launch date is still under wraps, Nio has expressed its active preparations for entry into the UK, with more information expected soon.
The UK is one of 16 global markets Nio plans to enter this year. Seven European countries are already confirmed: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Romania. Beyond the Firefly, Nio plans to introduce a range of other models, including the EL6 and EL8 SUVs (known as ES6 and ES8 in China), the ET5 sedan, and the ET5 Touring estate. There’s also talk of bringing the Onvo L60, a coupe-style SUV designed to rival the Tesla Model Y, to the UK. Eric Yu, Nio’s product executive, highlighted the UK’s lack of tariffs on Chinese EV imports as a major strategic advantage, especially compared to the 31% import duties currently imposed in the EU. This could seriously shake up the market for competitors.
Expect more exciting announcements about Nio’s European plans in the coming weeks. The arrival of the Firefly promises to bring an engaging, affordable, and tech-packed option to drivers looking to join the electric revolution.
