Nio may launch special edition Firefly EV in China based on European version next month, report says

Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO) is reportedly set to launch a special edition Firefly EV in China soon, based on the European version of the compact hatchback, as its production capacity has significantly increased.

The company is expected to roll out a special edition Firefly EV in the near future, with the launch likely to coincide with the official launch of the third-generation Nio ES8 at Nio Day 2025 in September, according to a report by local media outlet AutoPix today.

Nio unveiled the third-generation ES8 yesterday and began accepting pre-orders for the large electric SUV (sport utility vehicle), with the official launch set for the Nio Day event at the end of next month.

The launch of the special edition Firefly EV comes as production capacity for the Firefly sub-brand has significantly increased.

Firefly's monthly production is expected to approach 5,000 units this month, with daily production set to increase further by over 10 percent next month, according to AutoPix.

With the completion of production line upgrades at Nio's factory in Chuzhou, Anhui province, in July, Firefly's production capacity has recovered and entered a growth cycle, enabling it to explore larger market opportunities, the report stated.

In 2023, reports emerged that Nio would establish an F4 factory in Chuzhou to produce Firefly models. However, the company has never officially confirmed the existence of such a factory.

Currently, all models under Nio Inc are produced at the F1 and F2 factories in Hefei, Anhui province. In July, Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li said that the F3 factory in Hefei would begin production in September.

Firefly's first model, named after the brand, was officially launched in China on April 19. The sub-brand began deliveries in Norway and the Netherlands on August 14, officially entering the overseas market.

The special edition Firefly EV features a stiffer suspension compared to the two variants currently available in China, prioritizing handling over comfort, according to AutoPix.

In terms of appearance, the new variant is expected to offer a black paint finish not currently available on the Firefly EV, with pricing expected to be comparable to the current variants, according to the report.

Nio positions the Firefly as a global model, so it has developed two separate calibrations to address the differing demands of the Chinese and European markets.

Considering Chinese consumers' general preferences, the domestic version of the Firefly prioritizes comfort, but this calibration may somewhat diminish driving enjoyment, according to AutoPix.

Firefly's competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz Mini and BMW Smart, have gained market recognition for their agile and precise handling, with a focus on playfulness -- a label the Firefly also aims to achieve, the report noted.

In July, Nio's factory in Chuzhou had only 12 days of normal production due to production line renovations, leading to a decline in deliveries, AutoPix reported, adding that as a result, many Firefly display vehicles were sold last month.

Firefly delivered 2,366 vehicles in July, a 39.83 percent decrease from the 3,932 delivered in June.

With the completion of production line renovations at Nio's Chuzhou factory, Firefly's production capacity is beginning to ramp up, and sales potential is expected to gradually be realized, AutoPix reported.

This month's total production of Firefly vehicles is estimated to be around 4,900 units, with less than 150 units being export versions, and the remainder supplied to the domestic market, the report said.

This month's daily production of Firefly vehicles is about 220 units, with plans to increase production by over 10 percent next month.