NIO Firefly Annual Refresh Incoming: Slight Power Increase May Pave the Way for a “Large Battery” Version

NIO’s Firefly is set for an annual refresh, with motor power increased to 120 kW and minor exterior updates — changes that may signal the arrival of a larger battery version.

As usual, all new or facelifted models in China must first be filed with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) before launch. Last night, MIIT released its 401st batch of new vehicle filings, with the NIO Firefly among the listed models.

Rear view of the NIO Firefly showcasing its updated design with a new green lightning badge, fine-stripe bumper options, and round tail lights. — NIO Firefly – Image from MIIT filing

The updated Firefly largely keeps its current exterior design, adding new fine-stripe options for the front and rear bumpers and a green lightning badge on the tail.

The wheel design remains unchanged, though two previously limited-edition wheel options have been added—likely to provide more customization choices for future buyers. The current online configurator only offers two standard wheel styles.

A collage showcasing various wheel designs for the NIO Firefly, featuring three different wheel styles at the top, followed by front and rear bumper customization options, and the new green lightning badge on the vehicle's tail. — NIO Firefly – Image from MIIT filing

More notably, the filing shows the motor power increased to 120 kW, up 15 kW from the current model, while the top speed remains at 150 km/h. The power boost itself is modest, and existing owners will likely be able to upgrade via OTA. However, it may also signal preparation for a coming “large-battery” version.

A document listing technical specifications for the NIO Firefly, including maximum speed, weight, wheelbase, motor power, and more. — NIO Firefly – Image from MIIT filing

At a recent owner meet-up in Changzhou, NIO CEO William Li revealed that Firefly will offer a large-battery variant, with capacity at least 50% higher than the current pack, starting from around 60 kWh. Given that the ONVO L60’s 60-kWh battery pack delivers peak power of about 140 kW, It’s possible that the upcoming large-battery Firefly will be configured to deliver 120 kW of system output paired with a 60-kWh battery pack.

A stage with two presenters engaging in discussion, one holding a microphone and the other holding a signboard, in an event setting. — Owner meet-up in Changzhou

Of course, this remains speculation rather than official confirmation.

Looking back, Firefly was officially launched on December 21, 2024, during NIO Day, which means the model is nearing its first anniversary. Its appearance in the MIIT filing suggests the annual refresh is just around the corner. As for the new green lightning badge on the rear, it might point to a long-range version, likely to be revealed by the end of December.