Nio’s Firefly brand has released a major software update that raises peak motor power on older vehicles to 120 kW, matching the refreshed model launched in April. The update also adds parking assistance for upcoming fifth-generation battery swap stations, signaling that Nio is preparing Firefly for a new phase of infrastructure support even though the cars do not yet use swap stations.
Nio’s Firefly brand has rolled out a significant software update that improves performance and adds a key feature for future battery-swap infrastructure. The Aster 1.5.0 system update raises the peak motor output of earlier Firefly EVs and prepares the cars for Nio’s next generation of swap stations.
According to the company’s announcement on Thursday, the update increases peak motor power from 105 kW to 120 kW, or 161 horsepower. Owners can install the upgrade at no cost, and the result is a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.9 seconds.
Performance now matches the refreshed model
The free over-the-air update brings older Firefly EVs in line with the refreshed version of the car that launched in April. That updated model kept its starting price at 119,800 yuan, or about $17,638 at the time.
Nio management had previously said the performance improvement was coming, and this software release fulfills that commitment. Firefly also said test results show the car’s 50 to 100 km/h acceleration improves to 4.61 seconds after the update.
Support added for fifth-generation swap stations
Another major addition is a battery swap station parking assist function. The feature is meant to help drivers automatically park Firefly vehicles into Nio’s upcoming fifth-generation swap stations.
Nio says it plans to build five to 10 pilot fifth-generation swap stations between May and June, with broader rollout expected to begin in July and August. These stations use a fully redesigned base structure to fit Firefly’s shorter wheelbase, which is a key hardware requirement for the compact EV.
For now, Firefly vehicles still do not support battery swapping. The new parking-assist function appears to be a preparatory step as Nio readies infrastructure for eventual compatibility.
Nio’s swap network continues to grow
Nio currently operates 3,846 battery swap stations in China. The main Nio brand can use all of them, while Onvo vehicles can access most of the network. Firefly models, however, are not yet able to take advantage of these stations.
The new update also improves the frunk unlocking experience. Users can unlock the front trunk by tapping a sensor area, but this requires the purchase and installation of specific hardware.
Firefly is expanding beyond China
Firefly was officially introduced at Nio Day 2024 on December 21, 2024, as a compact EV brand positioned to compete with Mini and Smart. Its first model went on sale in China on April 19, 2025.
The brand reached its 50,000th delivery on March 29, roughly 11 months after launch. It has also become Nio’s entry point for overseas markets, with sales expanding into several European countries and right-hand-drive markets such as Thailand and Singapore.
In April, Firefly delivered 4,980 vehicles, down 18.61% from March, according to Nio’s earlier disclosure. The brand accounted for 16.96% of Nio’s total April deliveries of 29,356 vehicles.
Why this update matters
This is more than a routine software patch. By increasing motor output on older cars at no charge, Nio is using software to narrow the gap between earlier and newer Firefly models, which helps support residual value and customer confidence.
The added swap-station parking assist also shows that Nio is thinking beyond the vehicle itself. If the company can align Firefly hardware and software with its next-generation swap network, it may strengthen the brand’s role in Nio’s long-term ecosystem strategy.
Why This Matters
This update matters because it shows how Nio is using software to improve older EVs after purchase, a tactic that can boost customer satisfaction and keep a model line competitive without changing the hardware.
It also signals that Nio is building the Firefly brand around future battery-swap compatibility. Even though Firefly cars cannot yet swap batteries, the new parking-assist feature suggests the company is preparing both the vehicles and the infrastructure for eventual rollout.
Key Specs
- Update name: Aster 1.5.0
- Peak motor power after update: 120 kW (161 hp)
- Previous peak motor power: 105 kW
- 0-100 km/h acceleration: 7.9 seconds
- 50-100 km/h acceleration after update: 4.61 seconds
- Refreshed Firefly EV starting price: 119,800 yuan ($17,638)
- Planned fifth-generation swap stations: 5 to 10 pilot stations in May-June, larger rollout in July-August
- Nio swap stations in China: 3,846
- Firefly brand first sale date: April 19, 2025
- 50,000th delivery milestone: March 29, 2026
- Firefly deliveries in April: 4,980 vehicles
- Share of Nio April deliveries: 16.96%
Source: CNEVposts
And i ask…to europe? Is this upgrade comming?? In this days, not half of the updates are coming to europe. We font have most of the stuffs that are apoering in china…and we fill it like we were decived
And i ask…to outside china? Is this upgrade comming?? In this days, not half of the updates are coming to portugal for exemple…We fill that most of the stuffs that are appering in china…never come …and we fill it like we were beeing decived