Some departments were asked to prepare reserve lay-off lists, which may widen the original dismissals to 20% to 30% within the unit, according to the report.

The cuts would apply mainly to non-core businesses or ones that would not generate quick returns or require heavy investment, the report added.

Nio did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The additional cuts come after Nio said in November that it planned to eliminate 10% of its jobs, as it moves to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the face of growing competition.

Demand for EVs has weakened in China as consumers favour more economical plug-in hybrids.