Just a few days ago on 7th January 2026, NIO produced its 1-millionth mass-produced vehicle at its F2 factory in Hefei and this also includes their new EV, the Firefly.

Reaching one million vehicles is not just a milestone for NIO. It also reflects the technological and brand advancement of China’s smart EV industry. China’s new energy vehicle production in 2025 is expected to surpass 15 million units, and Chinese automakers are projected to outpace Japanese brands in global vehicle sales for the first time. Chinese automakers are reshaping the global automotive landscape, transforming China from a major manufacturing hub into a global automotive powerhouse.

Fu Bingfeng, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), addressed the event: “As a leading representative of China’s EV startups, NIO has gained valuable experience in technological innovation and premium brand development, making significant contribution to the transformation and upgrading of China’s automotive industry.

Meanwhile, the rollout of NIO’s 1,000,000th production vehicle is more than a milestone in scale. It stands as a vivid testament to NIO’s long-term commitment to innovation, brand excellence, and user service, as well as the continued advancement of China’s NEV industry in technology and brand.”

新华社照片，合肥，2026年1月6日
1月6日，蔚来第100万台量产车下线。
1月6日，在安徽省合肥市新桥智能电动汽车产业园蔚来第二工厂，蔚来第100万台量产车下线。
新华社记者 黄博涵 摄

Behind this growth lies not only scale and speed, but also a spirit of bold vision paired with disciplined action. Guided by the spirit of “Vision, Action,” NIO has invested RMB 65 billion in technology research and development, building systematic capabilities across 12 core smart EV technologies.

In charging and battery swapping infrastructure, NIO has invested RMB 18 billion, establishing 8,541 charging stations and Power Swap Stations in China, delivering over 96 million battery swaps cumulatively. These long-term investments are now translating into tangible user value and sustained competitive advantage.

Additionally, on December 27th, CnEVPost.com and longbridge.com reported that NIO had suspended battery supply cooperation with BYD’s FinDreams Battery for its Onvo L60 midsize SUV due to insufficient orders to sustain multiple battery suppliers. The report also indicated that some 100-kWh batteries previously supplied to NIO by CALB have now been sourced from CATL.

Throughout its 11-year history, NIO relied on CATL as its sole battery supplier for several of its early years, although alternative suppliers were introduced in more recent years.

The two companies previously signed agreements in March 2024 to jointly develop long-life batteries and in March 2025 to construct a large-scale battery swap network.