BEIJING, Dec 22 (Reuters) -

China's Nio on Sunday said it would launch its new

Firefly electric vehicle brand in Europe early in the first half

of 2025, betting that it would help the company overcome

European Union tariffs.

William Li, Nio's CEO, told reporters in Guangzhou that the

company will work with local partners on the sale and service of

the Firefly in European markets.

Nio unveiled the Firefly brand on Saturday and touted it as

a rival product to Mercedes' Smart and BMW's Mini.

The company originally conceived Firefly to boost its market

share in Europe but the European Commission in October imposed

tariffs on its and other Chinese-made EVs sold in Europe.

Li said the tariffs would "definitely have" an impact on

Firefly. "If there wasn't tariffs, it definitely would have a

better chance in the market."

"Even so, Firefly is very competitive because it is a

product developed with real smart EV technologies, which Nio has

been investing for a decade. We are confident in its product

competitiveness."

Li also said Nio would accelerate building battery swapping

stations in Europe with simpler designs that save time and costs

for construction.

The battery swapping stations for Firefly cars will cost a

third less than those for Nio-branded cars in Europe, Li said,

adding they are also seeking local partners on infrastructure

expansion in the region. Infrastructure is a key bottleneck for

EV growth globally, which has been slowing this year.