Chinese EV Maker Nio Plans Singapore, Uzbekistan, Costa Rica Launches 2025-26

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio is set to enter the Singapore market in early 2026, marking its first debut in Southeast Asia. The company will launch with the Firefly, a compact electric hatchback and its first right-hand drive model, distributed exclusively by Wearnes Automotive, a leading multi-brand automotive retailer in the region. Nio is known for its battery swap technology, which allows batteries to be swapped in about three minutes; however, the implementation of this service in Singapore remains under evaluation. Singapore will be the first Southeast Asian country to receive Nio’s right-hand drive vehicles as part of its global expansion strategy, with plans also announced for entry into Costa Rica and Uzbekistan. Wearnes and Nio are also considering introducing Nio’s Nio House concept, which combines showrooms with lifestyle and social spaces, to enhance customer experience locally. This move follows Nio’s earlier stock exchange listings in Singapore and continued growth in Europe, aiming to compete with established brands like BYD, Toyota, and BMW in the Singapore EV market.