There have been multiple rumors recently about NIO's plan to launch extended range models. On November 1st, it was reported that the upcoming third brand Firefly project may be the first to launch an extended range hybrid, which was denied by NIO co-founder Qin Lihong. Recently, it has been reported that NIO's investors hope that NIO can launch extended range models in overseas markets. NIO did not respond directly to this news. On November 4th, Ma Lin, Assistant Vice President of Brand and Communication at NIO, posted on his personal Weibo account, saying, "Nowadays, there is no need to increase the range of battery swapping stations in every county
According to reports, informed sources have revealed that NIO's main investor, Abu Dhabi investment company CYVN Holdings, has suggested that NIO launch its first extended range/hybrid model in 2026 and begin delivery in 2027, which could boost sales in the Middle East market where infrastructure is not yet ready for large-scale adoption of electric vehicles. The report also stated that the extended range model will not be sold in the Chinese market, but only in overseas markets such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Since the beginning of this year, extended range models have become a hot topic and the best booster for car companies' sales growth. Therefore, many car brands that originally adhered to pure circuit lines are also planning to introduce extended range hybrid power. According to news released on November 1st, NIO has plans to introduce extended range hybrid power, and the product is expected to be launched in 2026. The news directly indicates that the upcoming third brand Firefly project will be the first to be applied. Subsequently, CEO Qin Lihong refuted the rumors. He stated that NIO's third brand, FIREFLY Firefly, will be released on NIO Day 2024 in December this year, continuing to adopt a pure electric technology route that is rechargeable, replaceable, and upgradable.
Previously, it was reported that Firefly is positioned as a boutique car with a price tag of over 100000 yuan. NIO hopes to enter the low-priced market and expand its brand lineup, thereby enhancing its competitiveness in the global electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, it is reported that Firefly's first product is scheduled to be officially delivered earlier in the first half of 2025.
NIO is one of the few companies in China that still adheres to a single pure electric technology route, and based on this, has established a strong charging and swapping network throughout the country. According to the latest data from NIO, NIO's high-speed battery swapping network has been upgraded to the "7 vertical, 9 horizontal, and 12 major city clusters", and the "Battery Swap County to County Plan" has added coverage to 12 county-level administrative regions. As of now, NIO has accumulated 2621 battery swapping stations, 23969 charging piles, and provided over 56.61 million battery swapping services.
Previously, NIO Chairman and CEO Li Bin has repeatedly stated that NIO, including Ledao and Firefly, has no plans to launch hybrid products. On the evening of November 4th, Ma Lin also said, "The battery swapping station is the gas station for electric vehicles. The battery swapping station is the range extender for electric vehicles. The battery swapping station is the range extender for electric vehicles
Text and pictures/Guangzhou Daily Xinhua City Reporter: Deng Li