NIO Day 2024 recap: Firefly’s first EV will compete with MINI and Smart, ET9 launches on a 925V platform
As promised, we are back with a full recap of the debuts during NIO Day 2024, which took place over the weekend. As anticipated, NIO officially launched its new Firefly sub-brand, unveiling its flagship BEV model that looks to take on super compacts like MINI and Smart. Additionally, NIO launched its ultra-luxe ET9 sedan, whose initial trim has already sold out in China.
Last week, we published a little primer ahead of Chinese EV automaker NIO’s annual event. We get plenty of exciting news from NIO throughout the year, but no event is more likely to include landmark announcements than its annual NIO Day event, held every December.
We expected two big debuts at this year’s NIO Day, which took place in Guangzhou, in the Guangdong province of China, on December 21. First was the official launch of NIO’s third EV brand, Firefly, and the first public look at its flagship model.
Additionally, NIO Day 2024 was expected to bring the official launch of the automaker’s latest flagship (and most expensive) model, the ET9, which debuted at last year’s NIO Day. Following the annual event, we can confirm both BEVs have been launched and have much better insight into their pricing, specs, and availability in global markets.
Firefly launches at NIO Day 2024 with a premium small car
As anticipated, NIO officially launched its second sub-brand and third overall BEV brand at NIO Day 2024, which marked the opening of presales of Firefly’s flagship model, which shares the same name. The premium boutique small car arrives in China priced at RMB 148,800 ($20,390), the same as the discounted electric Mini Cooper.
BMW’s MINI brand and Mercedes-Benz’s Smart appear to be clear competitors to the new Firefly brand. NIO founder William Li explained that the new BEV is smaller than a Smart car and smarter than a MINI. Like all NIO models, the Firefly BEV supports battery swaps, hinting that a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) rental purchase program may be offered when the model officially launches.
From its initial announcement, NIO promised that Firefly would deliver affordable EVs to global markets, including Europe. The launch of the model above will begin in China in April 2025, followed by Europe shortly after. Per Li, Firefly will rely on local partner outlets for European sales, starting sometime in the first half of 2025.
In addition to the debut of the Firefly BEV, NIO Day 2024 also marked the official launch of the new ET9 sedan, which appears to be a hit right out of the gate.
NIO ET9 starts at $108k, deliveries to begin in March
While it’s welcomed news, it should be no surprise that the new ET9 sedan launched during NIO Day 2024. The launch presentation included our first look at the ET9 inside and out. Check out that image of the back seat above. Clearly, NIO is targeting the executive market worldwide and taking some cues from Maybach.
German automakers should be sweating a little as NIO appears to be looking to compete against them high and low with Firefly and now the ET9. We’ve confirmed that the ET9 starts at an MSRP of RMB 788,000 ($108,000), including the battery. That’s slightly lower than the RMB 800,000 presale price announced during the model’s unveiling at NIO Day 2023.
That $108k price tag applies to the NIO ET9’s standard trim, but the automaker will also sell a BaaS version that starts at RMB 660,000 ($90,420). Owners pay a monthly battery rental fee of RMB 1,128 ($155).
During the launch at NIO Day 2024, the automaker debuted a limited launch edition trim of the ET9 with a starting price of RMB 818,000 ($112,065), which includes the battery. At the time, NIO said it would only build 999 units of the limited edition ET9, and according to media outlet CnEVPost, all of them had been spoken for in China in less than 24 hours, exceeding sales expectations.
Customers will now have to settle for the super plush Standard trim. How sad. Here are some of the ET9’s specs from NIO Day 2024 at a glance:
- Four-seat sedan with dimensions of 5,325 mm in length, 2,017 mm in width, and 1,621 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 3,250 mm.
- It’s the first model to feature NIO’s in-house designed 5 nm process-based Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip.
- Shenji is equivalent to four mainstream smart driving chips, and the ET9 is equipped with two.
- Includes a SkyRide intelligent chassis system, described as the “world’s first integrated hydraulic fully active suspension.” We saw it in action last summer.
- Steer-by-wire (SBW) technology enables the steering wheel and wheels to be completely decoupled, offering higher levels of intelligent driving.
- 925V platform (better than the 900V architecture initially announced) enables better performance and faster charge rates.
- 100 kWh battery pack that delivers a (CLTC) range of 650 km (404 miles).
- Dual electric motors with a peak power of 180 kW at the front and 340 kW at the rear.
- The powertrain combines for a maximum power output of 520 kW and a peak torque of 700 Nm.
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.
- 105-liter frunk cargo capacity.
Deutsche Bank anticipates NIO’s sales of both the Firely EV and the ET9 sedan to reach 1,500 units per month, setting the stage for another big year of growth in 2025. The automaker concluded NIO Day 2024 by stating that initial deliveries of the ET9 are expected to begin in China in March 2025, starting with the sold-out limited edition mentioned above.
While this will be a new BEV for the global market, NIO has yet to offer a timeline as to when sales and deliveries of the ET9 will begin in Europe. We anticipate sometime in 2025 after deliveries begin in China. Another NIO Day is in the books in 2024 as we look ahead to a big year in 2025!
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Ferrari and Porsche will soon have company. BYD just confirmed plans to launch Yangwang, its ultra-luxury EV brand, in Europe. It will be the first Chinese brand to enter Europe’s most elite segment.
BYD preps new ultra-luxury EV brand for Europe
After launching Denza earlier this year, BYD is set to introduce another luxury brand to Europe. Yangwang is BYD’s most exclusive lineup of new energy vehicles, featuring its advanced technology and performance.
The brand has been on sale in China for about two and a half years, and now, it’s preparing to launch in Europe. BYD’s vice president Stella Li told Autocar that “our plan is that we will bring Yangwang into Europe,” after Denza earlier next year.
BYD launched its ultra-luxury EV brand in January 2023, with the first vehicle, the Yangwang U8, going on sale in September of the same year.
The Yangwang U8 is a Range Rover-like extended range electric SUV (EREV), packing over 1,100 hp (880 kW). It also comes loaded with features like float mode, which allows it to literally float on water, tank turns, and the U8 can even plow through more water than a Defender.
A few months later, BYD launched the second vehicle, the Yangwang U9, in February 2024. The Yangwang U9 is an electric supercar that can jump and dance thanks to BYD’s DiSus-X body control system.
It’s faster than a Ferrari, with four electric motors delivering nearly 1,300 hp, enabling a 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) sprint in just 2.36 seconds.
The Yangwang U8 and U9 start at 1,098,000 RMB ($150,000) and 1,680,000 RMB ($230,000) in China, respectively. Both will be sold in Europe.
Li said that “more cars are coming,” including the Yangwang U7, an electric ultra-luxury sedan. BYD delivered the first U7 models in China last month, starting at 628,000 RMB ($87,000).
The four-seater variant costs 708,000 RMB, or about $98,500, which is still about half the cost of the most affordable Ferrari.
With Yangwang set to arrive in Europe, BYD will be the first Chinese automaker to enter Europe’s top luxury auto segment.
With an additional 17% tariff, export costs, and other factors, prices in Europe are expected to be notably higher. We will learn more as we get closer to launch.
Source: Autocar
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
The logo for the U.S. tech firm Block is displayed and reflected in numerous digital screens in London, England, on March 3, 2023.
Leon Neal | Getty Images
Block shares jumped 7% on Monday after S&P Global said the company will join the S&P 500, replacing Hess, which was acquired by Chevron’s for $54 billion.
The stock rose following the announcement late Friday as investors sought to get in ahead of index fund managers, who will need to buy shares to mimic the changes. Square’s $48 billion market cap at Monday’s close places it well above the median S&P 500 constituent, though shares are still down 8% this year.
Passive funds are expected to purchase roughly 101 million shares of Block due its inclusion, equivalent to about 11 days of average trading volume, according to a note from Stephens.
Block is working to reestablish investor confidence after uneven performance from its Cash App business. Gimme Credit’s Stu Novick noted that while gross profit growth missed estimates last quarter, the company still delivered strong adjusted earnings and improving cash flow.
While Block is joining the benchmark index, a major player in the fintech industry remains on the sidelines.
Robinhood has delivered one of the strongest recent runs in the U.S. stock market, soaring 345% in the past year. Yet despite nearing a nearly $100 billion, the company has been repeatedly passed over for S&P 500 inclusion.
Robinhood shares fell almost 5% on Monday.
Environment
Anker PowerCore Reserve station $88, Schumacher’s new portable level 1 EV charger $130, Aiper IrriSense system $100 off, more
This week’s Green Deals are starting with Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Station down at $88 for all your device-charging needs. Next, we have Schumacher’s new SEV1670 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger at its second-best rate of $130, as well as Aiper’s new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System getting second-ever savings to $600, which is where it was priced during Prime Day. We also have Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch Folding e-bikes getting add-on accessory bundles and a new one-day-only low price on Greenworks’ pro-grade 3,000 PSI Electric Pressure Washer waiting for you below. Plus, there’s all the hangover savings from last week at the bottom of the page, collected together within our Electrified Weekly roundup.
Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.
Carry Anker’s 60,000mAh PowerCore Reserve station and keep devices running for $88
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station at $87.99 shipped, with it also coming in a few dollars under the brand’s current direct pricing. Normally costing $150 at full price, we’ve mostly seen discounts over the last year dropping costs between $110 and $90, though there have been a few select falls to $80, and recently we saw Prime Day take things to $75. While it may not be the new lowest price, you’re still looking at the third-best rate we have tracked, saving you $62 off the going rate while equipping you with a sizably reliable means to keep your personal devices juiced up and running.
Anker’s PowerCore Reserve power station, which you’ll also find sold under the name 548 Power Bank, is a five-pound backup power solution to top off personal devices with while you’re camping, cruising the roadways, hanging out on the beach, and much more. You’ll have a totable 60,000mAh/192Wh battery capacity here that beats out most power banks on the market while also delivering up to 60W speeds through either its two USB-A ports or two USB-C ports.
Aside from its easy-to-carry design, it also comes sporting a convenient pop-up light for when you’re out in the dark of the wilderness or even without power at home, coming with two brightness levels alongside an S.O.S. mode to signal for help in emergencies. You can completely recharge its battery by plugging it into a wall outlet or by utilizing up to its 60W solar input to charge via the sun.
Schumacher’s 2025 level 1 portable EV charger plugs into any 120V outlet for on-the-go power at $130
Amazon is now offering the new Schumacher SEV1670 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger at $129.59 shipped. This model hit the scene at the tail-end of May with a $160 price tag, which has only recently started seeing discounts, with the biggest of them being from the Prime Day sale event two weeks ago that saw the costs taken down to $128. Today’s deal comes in just $2 above that rate for the second-best pricing we have tracked, all while giving you $30 in savings.
If you want to learn more about this new model and its capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.
Aiper’s new IrriSense smart irrigation system covers up to 4,800 square feet at $600 (second-ever discount)
Coming to us through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering the second-ever discount on its new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System back to $599.99 shipped, matching directly from the brand’s website. This new smart irrigation device has only been on the market since May, with it usually going for $700 outside of the two price cuts we’ve seen. It first dropped to this same rate the day before Prime Day began, and hung on to the savings through the four-day event. Now, it’s coming back for a post-Prime second chance, saving you $100 while upgrading your lawn care routine with a smarter alternative.
If you want to learn more about this new smart device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.
Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch folding e-bikes make great first-time rides with four add-on accessories starting from $406
Amazon is offering quite the affordable bundle on Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch Folding e-bike in its orange colorway, and coming with four add-on accessories at $406.09 shipped, while its other colorways are seeing smaller discounts at higher rates. It’s dropping down from the $580 price tag today, with this being the first time we’ve spotted this particular bundle dropping so low. Before the fall to $425 during Prime Day, we only ever saw costs fall as low as $450, with all those rates beaten by the 30% markdown here that gives you $174 in savings and a new all-time low price. Along with the bike, you’ll be getting a front carrier bag, a rear cargo basket, a phone holder, and a rearview mirror to upgrade and elevate your experience.
If you want to learn more about this budget-friendly e-bike, be sure to check out our original coverage of this bundle deal here.
Greenworks’ Pro-grade 3,000 PSI vertical electric pressure washer falls to lowest price tracked at $285 (Today only)
As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the best pricing yet on the newer Greenworks Pro 3,000 PSI Vertical Electric Pressure Washer for $284.99 shipped, with it beating out the brand’s direct website pricing while the closest match at Amazon is the newest counterpart that normally goes for $450. This model would normally run you $400 at full price, which we’ve seen discounts so far take as low as $300. For the rest of the day, you can take advantage of the 29% markdown here to pick it up at the best new price we have tracked, saving you $115 in the process.
If you want to learn more about this newer pro-grade outdoor cleaning solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.
Best Summer EV deals!
- Aventon Ramblas Electric Mountain Bike: $2,599 (Reg. $2,899)
- Heybike Hero Carbon Fiber All-Terrain 750W mid-drive e-bike: $2,599 (Reg. $3,099)
- Ride1Up Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive Gates Belt CVT e-bike: $2,595 (Reg. $2,795)
- Velotric Nomad 2X Multi-Terrain Camo e-bike with $50 bundle: $2,499 (No price cut)
- Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Off-Road Moped-Style e-bike: $2,495 (Reg. $2,595)
- Ride1Up Revv 1 Full Suspension Moped-Style e-bike: $2,395 (Reg. $2,595)
- Heybike Hero Carbon Fiber All-Terrain 1,000W rear-hub e-bike: $2,299 (Reg. $2,599)
- Ride1Up Prodigy v2 Brose Mid-Drive 9-Speed e-bike: $2,095 (Reg. $2,495)
- Velotric Nomad 2 All-Terrain e-bike with $120 bundle (new model): $1,999 (No price cut)
- Rad Power Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
- Rad Power Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 35Ah Cargo e-bike w/ up to $703 bundle: $1,999 (Reg. $2,702)
- Tenways AGO X All-Terrain e-bike with $307 bundle: $1,899 (Reg. $2,499)
- Velotric Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike with $150 bundle (new model): $1,799 (No price cut)
- Aventon Pace 4 Smart Cruiser e-bike (new model, first discount): $1,699 (Reg. $1,799)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 26Ah Cargo e-bike w/ $554 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,253)
- Lectric XPeak 2.0 Long-Range Off-Road e-bike with $316 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $1,915)
- Aventon Aventure 2 All-Terrain e-bike: $1,699 (Reg. $1,999)
- Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,999)
- Lectric XPeak 2.0 Standard Off-Road e-bike with $227 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,726)
- Lectric XP Trike2 with $227 preorder bundle (through July 28): $1,499 (Reg. $1,726)
- Tenways CGO600 Pro e-bikes with $118 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
- Velotric Nomad 1 Plus All-Terrain e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
- Lectric XP Trike with $405 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,904)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 13Ah Cargo e-bike with $326 bundle: $1,399 (Reg. $1,725)
- Aventon Level 2 Commuter e-bike (2025 low): $1,399 (Reg. $1,899)
- Ride1Up Roadster V3 Lightweight Premium e-bike: $1,395 (Reg. $1,495)
- Velotric T1 ST Plus Lightweight e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,649)
- Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $336 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,635)
- Lectric XP4 750 LR Folding Utility e-bikes with $356 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,655)
- Lectric XP Lite 2.0 JW Black LR e-bike with $414 bundle: $1,099 (Reg. $1,513)
- Ride1Up Portola Folding e-bike with BOGO accessory promo: $995 (Reg. $1,095)
- Lectric XP4 Standard Folding Utility e-bikes with $79 bundle: $999 (Reg. $1,078)
- Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with up to $414 bundles: $999 (Reg. $1,413)
- Heybike Hauler Single-Battery Cargo e-bike: $999 (Reg. $1,499)
- Rad Power RadExpand 5 Folding e-bike (new low): $999 (Reg. $1,599)
- Segway ZT3 pro eKickScooter: $902 (Reg. $1,300)
- Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter (new model): $760 (Reg. $1,014)
- Navee GT3 Pro Electric Scooter (new model): $520 (Reg. $714)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Sports2 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike