Firefly will not integrate with CATL's (HKG: 3750) battery swap network but will instead utilize Nio Inc's (NYSE: NIO) fifth-generation battery swap stations, Nio founder, chairman, and CEO William Li said.
Li made these remarks yesterday at a Nio owner event in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, according to videos shared by multiple automotive bloggers including @电动兄弟 and @德卤爱开车.
CATL's battery swap system employs air-cooled battery packs primarily targeting the ride-hailing market, Li explained.
Firefly utilizes liquid-cooled battery packs offering superior safety, low-temperature and high-temperature performance, he added.
This contradicts previously announced details of Nio's collaboration with CATL, though Li likely referred to the currently available Firefly EV, as noted by @德卤爱开车.
Nio and CATL signed a cooperation agreement in March this year to build the world's largest battery swap network.
CATL's Choco-Swap technical standards and network will be integrated into future models developed under Nio's Firefly brand, according to a statement at the time.
CATL's battery swap stations in China reached 800 locations on November 8, with a target of 1,000 stations by year-end.
Yesterday, GAC Aion launched the compact EV Aion UT super, built using CATL's battery swap technology. This marks the first model targeting the mainstream passenger vehicle market based on CATL's Choco-Swap technology.
Nio currently operates 3,562 battery swap stations in China. It is now constructing its fourth-generation stations, with fifth-generation stations set to begin trial operations by Christmas.
Li also mentioned at yesterday's event that the Firefly will eventually offer larger battery packs, starting at least with a 60-kWh capacity.
Firefly's sole current model comes standard with a 42.1-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, delivering a CLTC range of 420 kilometers.
Li reiterated confidence in achieving its first quarterly profit in the fourth quarter during the event, noting that the company has no new model launches or Nio Day events scheduled for the fourth quarter, with major expenditures completed in the third quarter.
