Nio announces major European expansion, with UK launch on the cards

Chinese EV brand Nio has announced an aggressive expansion strategy that will see it enter at least seven new European markets in the next 12 months.

The firm, which made headlines with its innovative battery swap stations, announced plans to enter the European market in 2021. Since then it has started operating in Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark.

It has now confirmed plans to expand into Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Romania in 2025 and 2026. It also said that it planned to increase its number of retail locations further by offering its cars in “additional European markets”, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

While there was no specific mention of the UK, Nio’s president Qin Lihong said at the Shanghai Motor Show in April, that the group was looking to enter the UK with its Firefly compact hatchback in late 2025.

“Europe is a core pillar of our global strategy and a region where we see tremendous potential for smart, user-centric mobility. With these seven new countries, we are entering strategically important markets that are ready for sustainable innovation,” says Thijs Meijling, Head of NIO Europe Business.

The expansion will see Nio launch five models across the seven countries from the Nio brand and its Firefly sub-brand. These include the Nio EL6 mid-sized SUV; the EL8, a larger six-seat SUV; and the ET5, a mid-sized Tesla Model 3-rivalling saloon, along with the ET5 Touring estate.

It also includes the Firefly, a Renault 5-rivalling compact hatchback that went on sale in its native China in April.

Meijling added: “Our expansion follows a clear principle: we focus on markets where our integrated service and product landscape can unfold its full potential and deliver tangible value to users.”

Nio revealed that it will work with a number of new distribution partners in its new territories as well as continuing to offer a direct-to-consumer sales model.