Nio confirms Singapore entry with Firefly EV in 2026

Nio has announced plans to debut in Singapore in 2026 with its newly established premium small EV brand, Firefly (stylised as “firefly”). The launch will mark the company’s foray into the Southeast Asian region.

The Chinese automaker will team up with Wearnes Automotive, a Singapore-based automotive distributor and dealer operating since 1906, for the next phase of its global expansion. From Volvo Cars and Polestar to Automobili Pininfarina and Bugatti, the local partner has represented a wide range of luxury and exotic car brands for decades. Nio hopes to draw on this heritage to deliver a premium experience to customers in its new market.

In addition to Singapore, Nio has announced plans to launch its electric cars in Uzbekistan and Costa Rica, its first markets in Central Asia and the Americas, respectively. In Uzbekistan, the company will appoint Abu Sahiy Motors as its distributor and launch the first car later this year. It has confirmed the Onvo L60, ET5, ET5 Touring, EL6, and EL8, but not the Firefly EV, for this market.

In Costa Rica, Nio will enter in 2026 through a partnership with Horizontes Cielo Azul Movilidad, the country’s largest EV distributor. The company is planning a five-model line-up for the Central American market as well, but including the Firefly EV, as well as Onvo L60, ET5 Touring, EL6, and EL8.

Nio began delivering the Firefly EV in April, starting with China. By July, the company had sold 10,209 units, and last week, it initiated deliveries in Europe, beginning with the Netherlands and Norway. The Chinese Tesla rival plans to launch its new entry-level EV in 16 international markets this year. The UK, potentially the first right-hand drive market, will receive this model by October, as per an Autocar report.

Measuring 4m in length, 1.78m in width, and 1.56m in height, the Firefly EV is a sub-compact hatchback. It has a 2,615 mm wheelbase and boasts a tight turning circle of 9.4 metres, which makes it ideal for narrow European streets. A 42.1 kWh LFP battery pack sourced from Sunwoda—a first for any EV at Nio—powers a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 105 kW and 200 Nm of torque. It supports charging at up to 11 kW (AC)/100 kW (DC) and delivers a WLTP range of 330 kilometres.

nio.com