NIO’s December performance was stellar, but it wasn’t just about one month. Throughout 2025, NIO managed to close the gap significantly with XPENG, hitting a quarterly peak of 124,807 deliveries in Q4 compared to XPENG’s previous high of over 116,000.

Despite this surge from NIO, XPENG still holds onto its title as the leader for annual sales with an impressive total of 429,445 units delivered. This number is a testament to their consistent performance throughout the year and their ability to maintain market share even when facing stiff competition.

It’s not just about numbers though; both companies are expanding into new markets and launching innovative models that challenge established automakers. XPENG’s G9 model, for example, has been a in terms of design and performance, much like the Tesla Model S was back in 2012.

The race between these two Chinese EV giants is far from over. Both companies are expected to introduce new models that will continue pushing each other’s boundaries further into uncharted territory.

The intense competition between these two companies is reminiscent of the early days of Tesla and Nissan Leaf back when they were vying for dominance in the EV space. As both XPENG and NIO continue to innovate and grow, it’s exciting to see how this rivalry will shape the future of electric vehicles.

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Shanghai’s decision underscores its commitment to fostering a green automotive industry by encouraging more people to buy BEVs. The city has been leading in NEV adoption with strong support from local authorities.

In 2025, the number of registered vehicles rose by 5% year-over-year, but NEVs saw an even bigger jump at 20%, showing a growing preference for EVs over traditional fuel cars. This trend aligns with national goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transport.

The city’s free license plate policy has been instrumental in driving this growth since it was first introduced several years ago, helping Shanghai become one of the most electric vehicle-friendly cities in China. However, starting from January 2023, PHEVs were excluded from receiving these perks.

Applicants for free EV plates must meet strict criteria such as having a local Hukou or at least three years’ social insurance contributions within Shanghai over four years before applying. Foreigners and holders of valid residence permits also qualify under certain conditions.

This policy extension will likely keep Shanghai’s EV market thriving and attract more manufacturers looking to tap into the growing green car segment in China.

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On Monday afternoon, an incident occurred where a pink-colored Nio EC6 struck a concrete barrier after another vehicle cut in front of it. The force applied to the C-pillar and floor area caused extensive damage, splitting the car through the rear. Remarkably, both occupants escaped without injury.

The onboard safety systems immediately sent alerts to Nio’s staff who arrived promptly on scene to assist with medical treatment for the passengers. According to a statement by Nio, the doors unlocked automatically after impact, facilitating safe evacuation.

Local reports indicate that despite splitting almost in half and sustaining significant damage, there was no fire or thermal issues involving the battery pack. This outcome stands out against common concerns about EV fires following minor accidents.

The EC6 model involved is from a recent update series launched earlier this year with either 75 kWh or 100 kWh batteries available in dual-motor configurations producing up to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Nio emphasized that the driving assistance system was disabled during the crash.

This event highlights advancements in EV safety systems, demonstrating their effectiveness even under extreme conditions. It also underscores ongoing concerns about vehicle stability during high-impact collisions.

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The third-generation ES8 SUV has been flying off the shelves since its launch at Nio Day in September. Its impressive performance and luxury features have made it one of the most sought-after models among families looking for a spacious electric vehicle.

But what sets this new generation apart from previous versions? The latest model boasts improved battery technology, more advanced safety systems, and sleeker design elements that cater to modern tastes. Families love how much space there is inside for everyone plus all their gear.

Nio’s management team shared during a recent earnings call they expect the fourth quarter margins on ES8 deliveries to rise significantly above previous quarters. This could be great news not just for Nio, but also for EV enthusiasts and families who want reliable vehicles without breaking the bank.

The surge in sales shows that Nio’s latest offering is resonating well with consumers. As families and car enthusiasts look for more eco-friendly options without compromising on comfort or space, the ES8 seems to be hitting all the right notes.

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November saw NIO’s total deliveries reach 36,275 units, marking the second-highest monthly figure since the company began tracking these metrics. The growth was primarily attributed to robust demand for both premium and family-oriented electric vehicles.

The breakdown of sales revealed that the flagship brand NIO contributed significantly with 18,393 deliveries. ONVO, known for its family-friendly models, followed closely behind with 11,794 units sold. The high-end small car segment, represented by firefly, added another 6,088 vehicles to the tally.

NIO’s cumulative sales now stand at nearly 950,000 units, positioning the company very close to achieving its milestone of one million vehicle deliveries. With this trajectory, NIO is expected to reach this significant achievement in early 2026, likely surpassing it if December continues on a strong note.

Interestingly, while NIO and XPENG have shown similar growth patterns historically, recent months have seen their sales figures converge again after a period of divergence. Both companies continue to demonstrate steady progress in the competitive electric vehicle market.

The strong performance in November highlights NIO’s growing market presence and customer acceptance across its diverse range of electric vehicles. As the company approaches its millionth delivery milestone, it continues to solidify its position as a leading player in the global EV market.

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Michael Barber’s journey from Holden to his current role with Multimatic has seen him work on numerous car models. However, Nio chose to spotlight Barber for the Firefly project, emphasizing the importance of dynamic performance and cost-effectiveness in EV design.

In an interview shared by Nio via Weibo, Barber explains the significance of balance between suspension components and road interaction for achieving stable handling. The wide wheelbase and track width are also highlighted as contributing factors to the car’s confident driving experience.

The Firefly is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 105kW/200Nm, offering impressive performance figures despite its modest specifications. This makes it an attractive option for Australian families looking for reliable and efficient transportation without breaking the bank.

The Nio Firefly’s arrival in Australia marks a significant moment for both local car enthusiasts and those interested in electric vehicles. With Barber’s influence, it promises to offer a compelling blend of affordability and dynamic excellence that could redefine the small EV segment.

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The third-generation ES8 is one of Nio’s most expensive models, with a starting price of RMB 406,800 ($57,500) including the battery pack. Despite its high cost, the vehicle has been in high demand since its launch, with all production capacity for December reportedly sold out.

During an earnings call on November 25, Nio management stated that the company aims to deliver approximately 40,000 units of the ES8 by year-end. To achieve this goal, Nio will need to ship around 20,000 more third-generation ES8 SUVs in December.

Nio’s vice president of product marketing Kang Kai told Auto Home at the 2025 Guangzhou auto show that the company targets a production capacity of 20,000 units for the ES8 in December. This significant ramp-up is expected to drive an increase in vehicle margins to about 18 percent in the fourth quarter.

The strong performance of the ES8 has helped Nio set new records, with October deliveries reaching 40,397 vehicles. The company’s ability to meet its ambitious targets reflects growing consumer interest and confidence in electric SUVs priced above RMB 400,000.

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Of the deliveries, 36,928 were under the NIO brand, 37,656 under Onvo, and 12,487 under Firefly. Vehicle sales generated 19.2 billion yuan (2.34 billion euros) in revenue for q3/’ title=’WeRide Cuts Losses Amid Major Revenue Surge in Q3’>Q3, a year-over-year increase of 15% and an 19% rise from the second quarter.

Nio’s gross profit reached 3.02 billion yuan (370 million euros), marking a 10% growth compared to the previous quarter. This contributed to a gross margin of 13.9%, higher than in past quarters, but despite this improvement, Nio remains unprofitable with net losses totaling 3.48 billion yuan (420 million euros) for Q3.

The company also reported reduced R&D expenditures by 28% year-over-year to 2.39 billion yuan (291 million euros), while general sales and administrative expenses increased slightly to 4.18 billion yuan (510 million euros). Nio’s founder and CEO, William Li, attributed the over 40% growth in deliveries to the competitiveness of their brand offerings across different market segments.

Li added that they are working closely with supply chain partners to ramp up production for Q4, expecting total deliveries between 120,000 and 125,000 units, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 65.1% to 72%. This would set a new quarterly record.

Despite the positive trends in delivery figures and cost reduction efforts, Nio’s path to profitability remains challenging. The company continues to focus on optimizing costs while maintaining high levels of research and development spending indicative of future growth potential.

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Since its introduction in April 2025, firefly has rapidly expanded globally, achieving European market entry within four months. Currently available in the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, the brand is set to enter Denmark, Greece, Austria, Portugal, and Luxembourg soon. This swift international rollout underscores NIO’s commitment to global expansion.

The firefly model targets urban mobility with a focus on safety, design, space efficiency, intelligent features, and dynamic driving performance. The car’s specifications include advanced active and passive safety measures, indicative of NIO’s high standards in vehicle engineering. In comparison, competitors like BYD and Geely offer similar small EV models but lack the global reach that firefly is aiming for.

Firefly’s entry into international markets such as Singapore reflects a strategic move to tap into regions where demand for compact electric vehicles (EVs) is high. According to recent statistics, over 1 million small EVs were sold in China alone last year, indicating the potential market size and consumer preference for smaller, more efficient cars.

India presents another significant opportunity for firefly due to its growing urban population and increasing demand for affordable electric vehicles. The brand’s commitment to producing high-end small EVs aligns well with India’s push towards electrification in the automotive sector. In contrast, established brands like Tata Motors dominate the Indian market but face stiff competition from new entrants.

Additionally, firefly’s entry into Australia and South Africa highlights its ambition to cater to diverse consumer preferences across different continents. These markets are witnessing a growing interest in EVs driven by environmental concerns and government incentives promoting electric mobility. As NIO continues to expand globally, it will be interesting to observe how the brand performs against local competitors and established global players.

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The ET9 Horizon Edition is priced at RMB 818,000 ($115,000) inclusive of battery pack. Alternatively, customers can opt for the Battery as a Service (BaaS) plan with a starting price of RMB 710,000. These new color themes are identical to the standard ET9 Horizon Edition that was introduced in late September.

Nio provides complimentary battery swapping services for ten years for both the base model and the newly launched colors. The ET9 is powered by a single 102 kWh battery pack, with monthly BaaS subscription costs amounting to RMB 1,128. The car was initially unveiled during Nio Day 2024 in December 2024, and deliveries began in late March of the following year.

The ET9 has positioned itself as a direct competitor to established luxury vehicles such as the Mercedes-Maybach, reflecting China’s rapid advancement towards electrification. Despite its high price point compared to other Chinese automakers’ models, Nio is optimistic about capturing market share within this segment. As of October 2025, cumulative deliveries for the ET9 stand at 2,282 units since March.

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