Nio Firefly EV Gets OTA Power Upgrade and Battery Swap Assist Feature

Nio has introduced a significant over-the-air software upgrade for its Firefly compact electric vehicle brand, improving both driving performance and future infrastructure compatibility. The latest Aster 1.5.0 system update increases the peak motor output of older Firefly EV models from 105 kW to 120 kW, matching the specifications of the refreshed version launched earlier this year. The company confirmed that the upgrade will be available free of charge for existing customers, reinforcing its earlier commitment to support current vehicle owners through software-based enhancements.

Following the update, Firefly EV models can now accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, offering a noticeable performance improvement over previous configurations. According to data shared by the brand, the updated vehicles also record a 50 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 4.61 seconds under testing conditions. The refreshed Firefly EV introduced in April retained its starting price of 119,800 yuan despite the upgraded performance package, positioning the vehicle competitively within the compact electric vehicle segment in China.

One of the major additions included in the Aster 1.5.0 update is a battery swap station parking assist function. The feature is designed to automatically guide Firefly vehicles into Nio’s upcoming fifth-generation battery swap stations. These next-generation stations are being developed with a redesigned architecture specifically engineered to accommodate the shorter wheelbase of Firefly vehicles. The parking assist system is expected to simplify the swap experience and improve operational efficiency once the infrastructure becomes fully operational.

Nio plans to deploy between five and ten fifth-generation pioneer battery swap stations during May and June, followed by broader expansion beginning in July and August. The company currently operates 3,846 battery swap stations across China. While Nio’s primary vehicle lineup can access all existing swap stations and the Onvo sub-brand supports most of the network, Firefly vehicles are not yet compatible with the current battery swap ecosystem. The upcoming infrastructure rollout is intended to close this gap and support the brand’s long-term scalability.

In addition to performance and infrastructure enhancements, the software update also improves the vehicle’s frunk unlocking functionality. Drivers can now unlock the front trunk by tapping the sensor recognition area, although the feature requires compatible hardware installation. The addition is aimed at improving convenience and daily usability for owners while extending the smart functionality of the compact EV platform.

Nio officially introduced the Firefly brand during Nio Day 2024 held on December 21, 2024. The brand was created to compete against premium compact urban vehicle makers such as Mini and Smart. Firefly’s first production model entered the Chinese market on April 19, 2025, and quickly became part of the company’s international expansion strategy. The brand has already entered several European countries along with right-hand-drive markets including Thailand and Singapore.

Firefly achieved its 50,000th vehicle delivery milestone on March 29 this year, approximately eleven months after the model first entered the market. Despite this achievement, recent monthly delivery data showed some slowdown in demand momentum. According to figures released by Nio, Firefly delivered 4,980 vehicles in April, representing an 18.61 percent decline compared to March. Even with the monthly drop, the brand still accounted for 16.96 percent of Nio’s total deliveries of 29,356 vehicles during the same period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What improvements does the Nio Firefly Aster 1.5.0 OTA update bring?
The Aster 1.5.0 OTA update increases the peak motor power of older Firefly EVs from 105 kW to 120 kW while improving acceleration performance. The upgrade also introduces a battery swap station parking assist feature and enhanced frunk unlocking functionality. Existing owners can receive the update free of charge, allowing older models to match the performance specifications of the refreshed Firefly EV launched in April while preparing vehicles for compatibility with Nio’s upcoming fifth-generation battery swap infrastructure.

Does the Firefly EV currently support Nio battery swap stations?
Firefly EV models do not currently support access to Nio’s existing battery swap station network. However, Nio is developing fifth-generation swap stations with a redesigned architecture specifically tailored for Firefly vehicles and their shorter wheelbase dimensions. The latest software update already adds parking assist capability for these future stations. Nio plans to begin pilot deployment between May and June before expanding large-scale installation during July and August as part of its broader infrastructure development strategy.