The Chinese have revealed the characteristics of a very safe and cheap hatchback

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Trade shared details about Firefly EV, an urban electric car of the Nio sub-brand. At the presentation in December, the emphasis was placed on the combination of a low price (from 149 thousand yuan or 20 thousand dollars) and outstanding safety by the standards of the segment (nine airbags, a body with rigidity better than that of the Lamborghini Aventador), and now all the main parameters are there.

The length/width/height of the Firefly EV are 4004/1871/1557 millimeters, respectively, and the wheelbase is 2615 millimeters. The electric car with a curb weight of 1.5 tons will be equipped with one rear electric motor (143 hp) and will be able to reach 150 km/h. The new product has small overhangs, so the approach/departure angles are decent – 21/26 degrees, respectively.

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It is stated that the interior can accommodate up to five people, and the hatchback also has huge wheels by the standards of the segment, measuring 215/50 R18. The capacity of the traction battery has not been disclosed, but it is known that it will be lithium iron phosphate. According to preliminary data, the range on the European WLTP cycle with a 75% charged battery will be 225 kilometers. The hatchback will also feature a 50/50 weight distribution, a five-link rear suspension and a body made of 83.4% high-strength steel.

Nio compares the Firefly sub-brand with MINI, but judging by the pricing policy, the hatchback will be much cheaper. The city electric car will be officially sold not only in China, but also in Europe. Global sales are unlikely to begin until spring, but the model was promised to be presented in Europe in the second quarter of 2025.

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