Nio has reached a significant milestone in its European strategy with the first deliveries of its Firefly compact electric vehicle. The handovers took place simultaneously in Utrecht, Netherlands, and Oslo and Stavanger, Norway, marking the debut of this new model outside of China.
The Firefly represents Nio’s entry into the competitive small EV segment, targeting urban drivers seeking an affordable yet capable electric car. Its launch in Europe follows its domestic debut in China earlier this year, where it has already been well received.
First Deliveries in the Netherlands and Norway
As confirmed by Nio on its official social media channels, the first batch of Firefly EVs has been handed over to customers in both the Netherlands and Norway.
In the Netherlands, the first public delivery event took place at the company’s Utrecht branch. Earlier reports from the portal Electric Vehicles had already hinted at these handovers following Nio’s prior announcements.
In Norway, the initial deliveries occurred in Oslo and Stavanger, putting the compact EV into customer hands for the first time in the country. However, Nio has not disclosed the exact number of vehicles delivered in this initial wave.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
First Delivery Date |
August 2025 |
Initial Markets |
Netherlands and Norway |
Starting Price |
NL: €29,900 |
Battery |
42.1 kWh LFP |
Range (WLTP) |
330 km (470 km WLTP City) |
Charging |
10–80% in ~29 min (DC, up to 100 kW) |
Battery-as-a-Service |
Not available in Europe at launch |
Expected German Launch |
Autumn 2025 |
Official Website |
Pricing in European Markets
The Firefly’s pricing varies significantly between the Netherlands and Norway due to market-specific regulations and tariffs:
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Netherlands: Starting at €29,900
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Norway: Starting at 279,900 NOK (approximately €23,500)
The lower Norwegian price is not solely the result of currency exchange rates but is largely due to Norway’s exemption from EU import tariffs on Chinese-built electric cars. As a non-EU country, Norway avoids the additional duties that increase costs in the European Union.
Battery Ownership in Europe
In both markets, the Firefly comes with a purchased battery rather than Nio’s well-known Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option. This is due to the absence of battery swap stations compatible with the Firefly in Europe.
Currently, Nio’s European battery swap network is designed for its larger models, which use 75 kWh or 100 kWh packs. The Firefly’s smaller 42.1 kWh battery requires different equipment, and retrofitting has not yet been implemented in Europe. In China, some stations have already been upgraded to handle the Firefly’s battery.
Technical Specifications
The Firefly is a four-metre-long, fully electric compact hatchback designed for city and suburban use. Key specifications include:
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Battery: 42.1 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) pack
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WLTP range: 330 km
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WLTP City range: Up to 470 km
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DC charging: Up to 100 kW
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Charging time (10-80%): Approximately 29 minutes at a fast charger
These figures position the Firefly as a practical daily driver for European urban environments, with charging capabilities suitable for both home and public fast-charging networks.
Market Rollout Plans
Nio has not yet announced a confirmed price for the Firefly in Germany, but estimates suggest a starting price of around €30,000, in line with the Dutch market.
According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority’s data, one Firefly was registered in Germany in June 2025 likely as a Nio demonstration vehicle while none were registered in July. Customer deliveries in Germany are expected to start in autumn 2025.
Early Registration Figures
Data from the EV portal EU-EVs shows that in Norway, seven Firefly units were registered over the past six weeks. In the Netherlands, Electric Vehicles reported six registrations in June 2025, with public test drives becoming available from early July.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the Firefly cheaper in Norway than in the Netherlands?
A. Norway, as a non-EU country, is exempt from EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, which allows Nio to offer the Firefly at a lower price.
2. Does the Firefly support battery swapping in Europe?
A. No. The Firefly’s 42.1 kWh battery is incompatible with Nio’s existing European swap stations. Customers must purchase the battery outright.
3. When will deliveries in Germany begin?
A. Customer deliveries in Germany are expected in autumn 2025.
4. How does the Firefly compare in size and purpose to other EVs?
A. It is a compact city-focused EV, roughly four metres long, comparable to models like the Renault Zoe or Peugeot e-208.
5. Can the Firefly handle long-distance travel?
A. While primarily designed for urban use, its 330 km WLTP range and fast charging capabilities allow for moderate long-distance travel with planned charging stops.
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