Small Nio Firefly model earns top safety rating in China's collision safety assessment
The Nio Firefly, a small car produced by Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO), has made history by becoming the safest small car in the latest China Insurance Automotive Safety Index (C-IASI) evaluation. The Firefly achieved the highest scores in the evaluation, tying with the Onvo L60 and Aito M9[1][2][3].
In C-IASI's evaluation, scores range from P (Poor) to G+ (Good+) from lowest to highest. The Nio Firefly received a G rating for crashworthiness and repair economy, and a higher G+ rating for occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assist. This makes it the first small car to earn G+ ratings across all four C-IASI categories[1][2].
The Firefly's active safety features include Emergency Call (E-call), Lane Keeping Assist System, and Driver Monitoring System (DMS), with an overall auxiliary safety score rate of 94.7%[1][2]. Notably, the Firefly excelled with full marks in the AEB pedestrian protection test.
The Onvo L60 and Aito M9, an Huawei-backed SUV and another sub-brand of Nio's respectively, also achieved "Good" or "Good+" ratings in all four C-IASI categories, tying with the Firefly for the highest scores in this evaluation[1][3]. Details on specific subcategory scores for these two are less explicit but their performance matches Firefly’s top-tier standings.
The Tesla Model 3, a popular electric vehicle, did not receive explicit C-IASI safety ratings in this latest 2025 evaluation. However, the fact that only three models—including the Nio Firefly, Onvo L60, and Aito M9—have ever scored top-tier "G" or "G+" ratings across all categories suggests these Chinese models currently set a high benchmark in local safety standards[1][3].
The Firefly's achievement comes despite challenges posed by its short front and rear overhang. The team overcame these challenges through smart overall vehicle design, powerful hardware capabilities, and high-quality materials[3].
The Firefly has started production and deliveries in China, priced at $16,410. European deliveries are set to begin soon. With the production line now ramping up, deliveries are set to accelerate, reaching the 10,000th delivery milestone[1][2].
The Nio Firefly's safety features are a testament to the company's commitment to safety and innovation. Its high scores in the latest C-IASI evaluation underscore its position as a leader in the Chinese automotive industry.
[1] C-IASI Evaluation Report: Nio Firefly (2025) [2] Nio Firefly Safety Features and Ratings [3] Nio Firefly: Achieving Top-tier Safety Ratings in C-IASI Evaluation
- The Nio Firefly, produced by Nio Inc (NYSE: NIO), was recognized as the safest small car in the latest China Insurance Automotive Safety Index (C-IASI) evaluation, tying with the Onvo L60 and Aito M9.
- The Nio Firefly earned a G rating for crashworthiness and repair economy, and a G+ rating for occupant protection, pedestrian protection, and safety assist, making it the first small car to achieve G+ ratings across all four C-IASI categories.
- Notably, the Nio Firefly's active safety features such as Emergency Call (E-call), Lane Keeping Assist System, and Driver Monitoring System (DMS), along with an overall auxiliary safety score rate of 94.7%, contributed significantly to its top-tier performance.
- The Tesla Model 3, a popular electric vehicle, did not receive explicit C-IASI safety ratings in this latest 2025 evaluation, but the high benchmark set by the Nio Firefly, Onvo L60, and Aito M9 in local safety standards indicates that these Chinese models are setting new standards.
- The Nio Firefly has already started production and deliveries in China, priced at $16,410, and deliveries are expected to accelerate as production ramps up, aiming to reach the 10,000th delivery milestone soon.
- The Nio Firefly's impressive safety features, coupled with its strong performance in the C-IASI evaluation, highlight Nio Inc's commitment to safety, innovation, and its leadership position in the Chinese automotive industry, particularly within the expanding electric vehicle (EV) and transport technology sector.
