Nio has dismissed recent speculation that its upcoming third brand, codenamed Firefly, will include a hybrid model.
Co-founder and president Lihong Qin confirmed that the Firefly line will adhere to Nio’s “chargeable, swappable, and upgradable” all-electric approach, setting a launch for Nio Day 2024.
Qin’s statement follows a report from Yicai, which, citing unnamed sources, suggested Firefly would employ an extended-range hybrid system aimed for a 2026 launch.
The report pointed to a Nio job posting for engineers skilled in NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) development for air intake and exhaust, raising questions about potential hybrid designs.
The report also highlighted the profitability advantage of hybrids in the current market, where hybrids are gaining traction over fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Nio remains one of the few Chinese automakers exclusively focused on BEVs, a commitment underscored by its battery-swapping infrastructure designed to mitigate range anxiety. “We’ll only consider a hybrid if Tesla does,” CEO William Li had humorously remarked at a recent media gathering, emphasizing Nio’s dedication to all-electric solutions.
Source: CNEVPOST
