Nio Firefly EV Caught Testing On Melbourne Streets

Nio’s newest sub-brand, Firefly, is inching closer to the Australian market after its first vehicle was spotted in Melbourne. The lavender-coloured electric hatchback, wearing Victorian plates, was recently seen driving around the south-eastern suburbs. The sighting was shared by AfonsoEV on X and confirmed by carloop, which reported the vehicle first appeared on local roads in late May 2025.

Although the car’s badging was covered, its distinctive tri-daytime running lights and compact hatch styling made it easy to identify. This sighting marks a significant step as Nio appears to be preparing the model for local validation — including tuning for Australian roads and calibrating its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

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Australia’s First EV with Swappable Battery Tech

The Firefly will be the first vehicle on sale in Australia to feature battery swapping technology, something already in widespread use across China. This tech allows the car’s depleted battery to be exchanged for a fully charged one in a matter of minutes, offering a faster alternative to traditional charging for urban users.

The Firefly is built on a rear-wheel-drive layout and includes a front storage compartment (frunk), which is rare in this segment. A single rear motor delivers 105 kW of power and a top speed of 150 km/h, providing enough performance for city driving and light touring.

Battery and range details:

• Battery type: 42.1 kWh LFP
• Claimed CLTC range: 420 km
• Estimated WLTP range: ~340 km

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Tech-Loaded Hatch with Global Ambitions

The Firefly was unveiled last December at Nio Day in Guangzhou, and is intended to take on premium small EVs like the Mini Electric, Smart #1 and even the Volvo EX30. Priced competitively in China from A$25,700 to A$30,000, local pricing is expected to start closer to A$40,000 due to shipping, compliance and taxes.

Inside, the Firefly is expected to offer a clean, driver-focused interior with an intuitive user interface, something Nio is well known for. A preview test drive of the model in Shanghai earlier this year highlighted its agile handling, comfortable ride and friendly tech suite. It’s shaping up to be a strong contender in Australia’s growing EV hatchback segment.

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More Nio Models May Follow

The arrival of the Firefly in Australia could signal the beginning of a broader rollout of Nio and Firefly-branded vehicles. The company has made clear its international expansion plans, with Europe as a key target and Australia not far behind.

While official details on local availability are still under wraps, more sightings are expected in the months ahead. If the Firefly makes it to Australian showrooms within the next year as anticipated, it may also open the door for other tech-forward, affordably priced models from Nio’s growing global portfolio.