Nio’s third brand, Firefly, has integrated smart driving chips from domestic supplier Horizon Robotics in its debut model, as the automaker moves to reduce production costs and localize technology for its budget-friendly electric vehicle (EV) line. The collaboration was revealed through a post by Horizon Robotics on Chinese social media platform Weibo.
The first Firefly-branded model, which shares its name with the sub-brand, is powered by Horizon Robotics’ Journey series of automotive-grade chips. The company describes the new model as offering responsive handling and intelligent driving capabilities, aimed at younger, urban consumers looking for compact and tech-equipped mobility solutions.
See also: Nio Launches Firefly Brand to Compete with BMW Mini and Mercedes-Benz Smart
Firefly’s partnership with Horizon Robotics marks a shift in Nio’s smart driving strategy. Nio has traditionally relied on Nvidia’s Drive Orin chips for its premium vehicles, including the ET5 and ES6. However, with the in-house development of the Shenji NX9031 chip for the new ET9 and broader plans to transition existing Nio models to this platform, the company is diversifying its hardware approach across its multiple brands.
The Firefly EV, first unveiled during Nio Day 2024, entered pre-sales last December with a starting price of RMB 148,800 yuan ($20,370) and is expected to be officially launched at a lower final price point. Its use of locally developed chips is expected to play a key role in keeping production and retail costs competitive in China’s crowded EV market.
Horizon Robotics also supplies chips to Li Auto, another major player in China’s EV sector. While Li Auto uses Horizon’s Journey 5 chips for its AD Pro system in standard models, its premium vehicles rely on Nvidia’s Orin X platform. The company is preparing to introduce upgrades next month that will see the AD Pro system move to Horizon’s newer J6M chip.