Nio revealed plans to enter seven new European countries over the next two years as the Chinese EV maker accelerates its push into the region.
The company will launch operations in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland, and Romania during 2025 and 2026. Nio currently sells cars in Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark after announcing its European expansion strategy in 2021.
The firm also said it’s planning to announce "additional European markets" in the coming weeks.
Nio’s president Qin Lihong indicated at April’s Shanghai Motor Show that the UK could be next – with the company’s Firefly compact hatchback potentially arriving there 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 bring five models to the new markets across Nio’s main brand and its Firefly sub-brand.
Five Models Heading to New Markets
Nio plans to offer the EL6 mid-sized SUV and the larger EL8 six-seat SUV in the seven countries. The lineup also includes the ET5 saloon – which competes directly with Tesla’s Model 3 – plus the ET5 Touring estate version.
The Firefly compact hatchback rounds out the range. The car went on sale in China this April and targets the same market segment as the popular Renault 5.
Nio’s signature battery swap technology will likely play a key role in the expansion. The company has built a reputation for its innovative approach to charging – where drivers can swap depleted batteries for fresh ones in minutes rather than waiting for traditional charging.
Meijling emphasized the company’s selective approach to new markets.
“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.”
The company said it will work with new distribution partners in the seven countries while maintaining its direct-to-consumer sales model that’s proven successful in existing European markets.
The aggressive expansion timeline puts Nio on track to operate in at least 12 European countries by the end of 2026 – assuming the company follows through on its plans to announce additional markets in the coming weeks.
