Nio’s Firefly begins RHD production, targets new markets

Nio’s new entry-level brand, Firefly, has begun production of the right-hand-drive Firefly EV. The company will export the first batch to Singapore, its first market in Southeast Asia.

Firefly ev right hand drive version front three quarter — Image: Nio

As previously reported, the Chinese automaker plans to commence deliveries of the Firefly EV in Singapore in 2026. It has appointed Wearnes Automotive, which specialises in luxury and exotic brands such as Lotus, Pininfarina, Polestar and Rimac, as its exclusive distributor in the country.

In an interview with Auto Commune following the start of production, Firefly CEO Jin Ge said that the right-hand-drive version of the Firefly EV is largely identical to the left-hand-drive version in China. In Singapore, for example, Ge said the company does not need to offer a seat-heating function.

Speaking to Reuters, Ge revealed that Firefly will price its small electric car higher than BYD’s Dolphin (171,888 Singaporean dollars, or around 114,000 euros), in line with its premium positioning. He also revealed plans to enter additional new markets next year, where Firefly would not be subject to punitive tariffs. The company is scouting for local distributors in Thailand and the UK and is eyeing Australia and New Zealand as well.

Firefly is particularly enthusiastic about the UK as part of its global expansion. Ge told Auto Commune that the UK is a market that does not impose punitive tariffs, does not have many domestic brands, is generally receptive to Chinese brands and, as the birthplace of MINI, has a strong affinity for premium small electric cars.

In Europe, Firefly commenced deliveries of its small electric hatchback in August, beginning with Norway and the Netherlands. It has since expanded the number of markets where the small EV is available. The company has since expanded sales to Belgium and expects to begin deliveries in Austria, Denmark, Greece, Luxembourg and Portugal soon. Ge said that most Firefly EV customers in Europe are significantly older than in China, typically aged 45 to 55 and above.

Firefly launched its small EV in April and initially offered the car only in China. By the end of October, the company had delivered 26,242 units of the electric hatchback.

firefly.com.cn, iautodaily.com , reuters.com, nio.com