Nio Firefly tipped for Aussie arrival in ‘26

THE CONGA line of new Chinese brands entering Australia’s new car market continues as Shanghai-based Nio has passed trademark filings, prototype testing and finally, government regulatory approval to sell its pint-size Firefly electric city car.

Speculated to list in the $35,000 range, it would put the Firefly up against, among others, GWM’s slightly larger, also kooky looking (and slow selling) Ora small BEV which lists at the moment for $35,990 driveaway.

It’s arrival is not imminent however as Nio’s initial run of right-hand drive Fireflys goes to Singapore followed by the UK with production commencing in October meaning a 2026 appearance is more likely Down Under via as yet unknown sales channels – possibly via dealerships, through agencies, or direct-to-customer sales?

A quick online search tells us the Firefly is a Light segment hatchback similar in appearance to the Honda E that never made it Down Under. Power comes from a 105kW rear-wheel drive single electric motor, a 42.1kWh LFP battery, a 330km (WLTP) range claim and support for Nio’s novel battery swapping system.

The model is said to be able to clock a 0-100km/h sprint in in 8.2 seconds eventually rolling to a top speed of 150km/h.

Dimensionally, the Firefly measures 4003mm long, 1781mm wide, and 1557mm high, and rides on a 2615mm wheelbase.

Interior features that may arrive in Australian spec’ Firefly include a 14-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos, 256-colour ambient lighting system, heated front seats and heated steering wheel as standard with optional vented seats, leather-look upholstery with cloth or microfibre accents, massage functions, and a fragrance diffuser.

The compact five-door hatchback’s front styling features distinctive circular three-ring headlights mirrored in the taillights set into a clamshell hatch topped by an integrated spoiler.

Though unconfirmed, it may roll on 18-inch wheels with 215/50 profile tyres and options might include a black-painted roof.

Inside follows a minimalist idiom with the obligatory large 13.2-inch multimedia touchscreen controlling most functions through menus. A 6.0-inch driver’s info display sits behind a squared off ‘wheel trending towards yoke-style.

Yet to be confirmed are climate-control air conditioning, 60-watt USB-C ports, a 50-watt wireless phone charger and ambient lighting.

Nio says the model is built with a focus on safety with a target five-star Euro-NCAP rating (that may carry over to Australian delivered examples), and is designed for the global market, including Europe. This would suggest a full list of advanced safety features as standard equipment.

Other kit includes a 92-litre frunk and a 7kW or 11kW on-board charger with 100W DC fast charging capability from 10-80 per cent in 29 minutes.

Australian news publication Drive revealed the model has already been introduced in Norway and the Netherlands with sales planned for a range of other left-hand drive European markets later this year.

“Dutch prices start from €29,990 ($AU53,800) for the First Edition, and €32,500 ($AU58,300) for the better-equipped Comfort variant, with a glass roof and ventilated, massaging seats,” it said.

Local industry pundits agree that if the above pricing regime that is similar to Mini’s Cooper E line-up is reflected here, the Firefly might struggle in Australia’s ultra-competitive market.