Review: Nio Firefly

Nio’s first right-hand drive model illuminates the way for small EVs.

The Firefly is one of the smallest EVs you can buy.

Small format EVs, in my view, are the most pleasurable of its type. The killjoy of EVs, the number 1 enemy, is weight. Small EVs are less likely to have an obesity problem, because by virtue of their size they also pack smaller batteries. And batteries are the main contributor to an EV’s weight. 

The '3 lights' motif extends to the rear as well.

Of course, small batteries hurt range and I reckon that is the reason various small EVs have tried to conquer the market and were unsuccessful. The most obvious case study is the Honda e, which has a WLTP-rated range of around 220 km. In the real world, expect a discount of some 30% so that reduces to 150 km or so. That’s really not a lot, especially if you don’t charge every day. An older, but equally poignant example, is the BMW i3. Brilliant car in many ways, if you consider its carbon fibre construction and futuristic interior - but undone by range. 

The Firefly looks chic without trying too hard.

The Firefly attempts to make it work yet again, but I think it stands a much higher chance than the aforementioned cars. With a 42 kWh LFP battery, the Firefly is rated for a WLTP range of 320 km. That is an appreciable improvement. Charging is also decently quick, at 100 kW DC and 11 kW AC. 

The Firefly is competitively priced.

In many ways, it is a very simplified take of a car, but I like it that way. It looks good inside and out, it has very decent power (0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds) and handles very tidily thanks to a small footprint, well-judged suspension and its rear-wheel drive configuration. With all the active safety features you could hope for, it has a 5-star Euro NCAP crash rating. Yet it has little luxuries that elevate it from being just another EV from China. I appreciate that both front seats have ventilation and massage, and the 14-speaker sound system with Dolby Atmos. To really differentiate itself, the Firefly also has a washable 92-litre frunk as well a very well-hidden 29-litre storage area under the rear seats. Now that’s appropriate for a Bond moment. 

The interior is no-nonsense but logical. You can enter it via the Nio app or a card.

Everything is pretty much operated from the screen, but thankfully the software is easy to use and the graphics are cheerful. There are a few in-car games that will surely keep the kids entertained and show the car’s fun side. For example, you can tickle some cats to get them to meow as they look on to a fish treat. 

The most surprising feature of the Firefly - underseat storage.

As Nio’s RHD model, I’m pretty impressed with what’s on offer for the price. Against cars like the Dongfeng Box and BYD Dolphin, the Firefly is definitely more petite. But it also feels more accomplished, premium and chic, almost Mini-like. 

Photos by James Wong