Nio is making a bold statement with its third brand, Firefly. The company’s first model began deliveries in China on April 29, 2025, and it’s already creating a buzz. Right out of the gate, Nio slashed the Firefly’s price to 119,800 yuan ($16,500), a massive 30,000 yuan drop from its pre-sale figure. This aggressive move paid off, with reports of over a thousand orders flooding in during the first hour of its launch livestream.
A sales representative in Beijing noted, “My location alone secured over a dozen confirmed orders, with many more potential customers expected to convert after test drives.” It’s clear this isn’t just another compact EV, it’s a calculated play for a major slice of the market.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | 119,800 | CNY | Equivalent to ~16,500 USD |
| Peak power | 105 | kW | 141 hp from a single motor |
| Range (CLTC) | 420 | km | With the 42.1 kWh standard battery |
| Battery capacity (standard) | 42.1 | kWh | A second battery option is available |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4003×1781×1557 | mm | Compact footprint for urban driving |
| Turning radius | 4.7 | m | Class-leading maneuverability |
A Funky Design with Serious Tech
The Firefly EV stands out with its unique circular light rings at the front and rear, giving it a memorable look on the road. Its compact size and a class-leading 4.7,meter turning radius make it a perfect weapon for navigating tight city streets. You can just picture it zipping through traffic and snagging impossible parking spots.
Underneath, a single 105kW (141hp) electric motor provides plenty of punch for urban driving. The standard 42.1 kWh battery delivers a respectable 420km of range, which is more than enough for daily commutes and weekend errands. While many small cars cut corners on safety, Firefly is doubling down, a move that proves small EVs can be super safe. It comes standard with nine airbags, including side curtains that offer 40% more coverage than rivals, and even uses submarine,grade 2000MPa steel for its rear crash beam.
A Calculated Market Strike
Firefly’s president, Jin Ge, explained the sharp pricing wasn’t a blind gamble. “The 119,800 yuan price point was determined by considering both product profit margins and the current market sentiment, user emotions, and competitive environment,” he stated. This kind of aggressive pricing, reminiscent of how other brands have shaken up the market, immediately grabbed attention.
Nio chairman William Li is aiming for Firefly to eventually make up 10% of the company’s total sales. To get there, the brand is rolling out a Battery as a Service (BaaS) option on August 1st. This will let customers rent the battery instead of buying it, lowering the initial purchase price even further. With Firefly joining the main Nio line and the new Onvo brand, whose L90 SUV is also targeting the premium crown, the company is tackling the market from all angles.
The brand is already thinking globally, with launches planned for 16 countries this year, including several in Europe and South America. Firefly is positioned for young professionals buying their first EV and for middle,class families needing a nimble second car. Jin Ge sees the premium small EV segment growing to 200,000 units in China within a few years, and with the Firefly, Nio is making a powerful bid to lead it.
