Nio Firefly Approved In Australia As First EV With Battery Swapping

Chinese EV brand Nio has taken a major step towards launching in Australia, with its compact Firefly hatchback now officially approved for local sale. Known for its unique battery-swap technology, the Firefly could soon become the first car of its kind available to Australian drivers.

While the approvals are in place, Australian buyers will need to wait before seeing battery-swap stations locally, as none are yet installed. For now, charging will rely on conventional plug-in methods.

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A Fresh Contender in the Hatchback Market

The Firefly was unveiled late last year as Nio’s third brand, positioned to rival Mini, Smart, Renault, and other premium electric hatchbacks. The car sits just over four metres long and stands out from rivals with its rear-wheel-drive setup – unusual for this segment.

Local sightings have already built hype. In June, a lavender Firefly wearing Victorian plates was spotted in Melbourne, most likely for evaluation testing and local calibration of its ride, handling and driver assistance systems.

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Australian Market Details

The Firefly is expected to reach Australian showrooms with two variants. Both come with 18-inch wheels and are powered by a rear-mounted 105 kW electric motor developed in-house by Nio.

The rear-wheel-drive configuration frees up extra room under the bonnet, giving the Firefly a decent frunk, rare for small EVs in this class.

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In China, the Firefly is priced between A$25,700 and A$30,000, but Australian pricing is likely to start closer to A$40,000 once taxes and compliance costs are factored in.

That positions it against the likes of the Mini Electric, Smart #1, and potentially even the Volvo EX30.

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Driving Experience

I had the chance to take the Firefly for a brief drive on a test track in Shanghai earlier this year. Despite its modest output, the hatchback felt light and zippy, with handling that suits city driving. The user-friendly cabin and unique tri-daytime running lights also help it stand out in an increasingly crowded EV market.

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The Bigger Picture

Nio’s battery-swap technology remains its biggest differentiator. Although Australia does not yet have the infrastructure in place, the Firefly’s arrival could lay the groundwork for future rollout. The concept has already gained traction in China and Europe, where Nio owners can swap a depleted battery for a full one in just minutes.

Nio founder William Li recently confirmed that deliveries of the Firefly have already begun in Europe, marking the start of the brand’s global expansion. Australia now looks set to be part of that journey.

Final Word

The Nio Firefly is shaping up to be one of the most interesting EV arrivals for Australia. With its mix of affordable pricing, practical design, and pioneering battery-swap capability, it could tempt drivers who previously ruled out an EV. Even without swap stations in place, the Firefly’s range, RWD layout, and sharp styling give it plenty of appeal.