New Chinese EV Brand Could Launch First Car In Australia

China’s electric car maker Nio is finally stepping into right-hand drive territory and that means Australia could be next in line. The company has confirmed that its new Firefly hatchback, designed for global markets, will launch in right-hand drive before the end of 2025.

While Nio hasn’t officially confirmed an Australian debut just yet, the Firefly is set to land in the UK and Singapore around October 2025. This makes a launch down under much closer to reality.

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Made for the world, starting with Europe

Nio’s global push is in full swing. The brand already sells in parts of Northern Europe and Germany, and has now announced seven more European markets this year:

• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• Austria
• Hungary
• Czech Republic
• Poland
• Romania

And while expansion across Europe is heating up, co-founder Qin Lihong recently hinted at broader right-hand drive ambitions, specifically calling out the UK and Singapore. Given the rise of affordable EVs in Australia, especially from Chinese brands like BYD and MG, it’s not a stretch to think Nio’s eyeing our shores next.

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The Firefly: compact EV with a big plan

The Firefly is Nio’s first small EV designed from the ground up for international appeal. At just four metres long, it’s clearly made for the city, but with clever packaging, a rear-wheel drive setup, and smart tech, it could punch well above its weight.

Swap don’t stop: battery tech with a twist

One of Nio’s standout features is battery swapping. Instead of waiting at a charger, you simply drive into a station, and your depleted battery is swapped out for a fully charged one in minutes. The Firefly supports this same system and will be compatible with Nio’s next-gen swap stations rolling out globally from 2026.

In China and Norway, Nio even offers battery leasing. This allows owners to subscribe to different battery sizes based on their needs, and separate the vehicle cost from the battery itself. It’s a flexible approach that could help ease concerns about long-term battery degradation.

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Interior: small car, premium feel

Despite its compact footprint, the Firefly packs in plenty of thoughtful design:

• 13.2-inch central screen
• 6.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14-speaker surround sound
• Over-the-air software updates
• App-based key functionality
• Bench-style front seats
• Rear 60/40 split seat
• 404L boot space
• 92L front trunk (frunk)
• 29L hidden tray under the back seats

The interior uses sustainable materials and leans on a clean, minimalistic style. It’s aimed at buyers who want something compact, modern, and a little bit different from the usual suspects.

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Safety and smarts

Nio says the Firefly is being built to hit a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and will come with a full suite of advanced driver assistance features from day one. Final testing results are still pending, but it’s clear the brand wants to tick all the boxes for global markets.

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Will it land in Australia?

There’s no confirmation yet (although we've heard rumours) but Nio’s moves suggest it’s only a matter of time. The company’s right-hand drive production plans, its growing global footprint, and the Firefly’s competitive specs and price tag make it a prime candidate for the Australian EV market - especially if priced below rivals like the BYD Dolphin or MG4.