The NIO catalog is dedicated to fully electric cars. However, the Chinese manufacturer is expected to launch a hybrid model, aimed at foreign markets, namely Europe.
According to two people familiar with the matter, cited by the international press, NIO plans to launch its first hybrid model in 2026 and will only sell it in foreign markets, including Europe, the Middle East and the North of Africa.
The Chinese manufacturer's catalog is expected to include a hybrid model soon, in order to face the challenges imposed on Chinese companies that sell electric vehicles in foreign markets. In addition to trade barriers, they are being slower to secure charging infrastructure.
One of the sources said that the launch of the hybrid model is scheduled for the end of 2026, with deliveries starting in 2027. This car will be sold in China, where NIO will continue to offer only electric vehicles with swappable batteries.
NIO declined to comment on these potential plans, only stating that its Firefly brand, which will sign the new model, would use pure electric technology.
Investor advised NIO to develop a hybrid model
The development of the long-range hybrid follows suggestions from the Chinese manufacturer's main investor, CYVN Holdings, from Abu Dhabi. From its perspective, this could boost sales in Middle Eastern markets, where the infrastructure is not ready for the mass adoption of electric vehicles.
Apparently, NIO will use the model to sell to the European mass market, due to the design that satisfies European consumers' preference for agile small cars. This hybrid model is expected to be presented at an annual event on December 21st.
NIO received US$2.2 billion in investments from CYVN Holdings in 2023, which largely alleviated the liquidity pressure that had been exerted on the Chinese manufacturer. Furthermore, in February this year, NIO agreed to license its electric vehicle technologies to CYVN Holdings.
Source: pplware.sapo.pt
