Nio is preparing to roll out a special edition of its Firefly electric vehicle in China, as production at its Chuzhou plant rebounds following recent upgrades, according to a report by local media outlet AutoPix.
The new Firefly variant is expected to launch in September, around the same time Nio formally unveils its third-generation ES8 SUV at its annual Nio Day event. The model will feature a stiffer suspension and a black paint option not currently available, while pricing is expected to remain close to existing versions.
“With the completion of production line upgrades at Nio’s factory in Chuzhou, Anhui province, Firefly’s production capacity has recovered and entered a growth cycle, enabling it to explore larger market opportunities,” AutoPix reported.
Firefly’s monthly production is estimated to reach about 4,900 units in August, with daily output expected to increase by more than 10% in September. Export volumes remain limited, with fewer than 150 units this month destined for overseas markets such as Norway and the Netherlands, where deliveries began earlier this year.
The Firefly hatchback was first launched in China in April, priced from RMB 119,800 ($16,680). Under the company’s battery-as-a-service (BaaS) scheme, entry pricing drops to RMB 79,800. Nio has positioned the sub-brand as a global offering, developing separate tuning calibrations for European and Chinese buyers, with the domestic version emphasizing comfort.
Firefly’s July deliveries fell 40% from June after production at Chuzhou slowed due to line renovations. AutoPix said many display units were sold during the month to offset the shortfall.
The compact EV segment is increasingly competitive in China and Europe, with rivals including Mercedes-Benz’s Smart and BMW’s Mini. Firefly aims to appeal to younger buyers with handling dynamics that highlight agility and playfulness, according to the report.
