NIO Firefly may launch a new model with a stronger motor

New 170-kW motor for Firefly sport model

New 120-kW motor (model TZ160S012) filed with MIIT on Nov 10, 2025, indicating a higher-output Firefly variant. This is a significant 62% power increase over the original 105-kW motor in the base car.

This stronger motor is intended for a higher-tier, performance-focused variant. This upgrade suggests that the company plans to introduce a faster version of the compact electric vehicle to customers in 2025.

Base model 42.1-kWh pack and charging

The standard Nio Firefly model operates on a 400-volt electrical system based on the entry-level design. It was approved for sale in China in July 2024. This version is powered by a 42.1-kilowatt-hour (kWh) LFP battery pack.

This battery is designed for city use and can reach a peak DC fast charging speed of 100 kilowatts. This setup utilizes a 105-kW motor that generates 180 Newton-meters of torque, enabling efficient daily driving.

3-minute battery swap and 60-kWh future

This base model technology includes support for Nio’s fifth-generation battery swap stations. This feature allows drivers to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in approximately 3 minutes.

Nio’s leadership confirmed this capability in August 2024. Although the launch model features a 42.1-kWh battery, the car’s design can accommodate larger options. Future versions will support at least a 60-kWh capacity pack for longer trips.

Compact 4,003-mm size and 4.7-m turning

The car’s compact size makes it particularly appealing to city drivers. The Firefly measures 4,003 millimeters (mm) in length, 1,781 mm in width, and 1,557 mm in height.

The car has a 2,615 mm wheelbase and weighs 1,492 kg empty. A critical feature for city navigation is its tight 4.7-meter turning radius. This small 4-meter footprint is perfect for easy parking in crowded urban areas.

128-TOPS smart chip and cabin tech

This compact car is also loaded with advanced technology inside. The Firefly’s smart-driving system is powered by a Horizon Robotics Journey 5 chip. This processor delivers 128 Tera-Operations Per Second (TOPS) of computing power.

The chip manages data from the car’s 11 high-definition cameras and sensors. This technology supports features such as automated parking and supervised highway driving, all of which are displayed on its 13.2-inch central touchscreen.

5-star safety and €15,400 base price

The safety of this new electric car has been highly rated. Firefly earned Euro NCAP 5-star in Sept 2025 (96% Adult Occupant) and was engineered to meet C-NCAP 5-star with an 83.4% high-strength-steel body.

The car’s competitive base price in China is approximately 15,400 Euros ($16,500 USD). This low price is made possible by a structure composed of 83.4% high-strength steel, ensuring strong safety performance.

Performance jump for the 170-kW motor

The focus on a performance version means the new 170-kW motor will create a significant difference in speed. The standard car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and has a top speed of 150 km/h.

The 170-kW upgrade is estimated to reduce the 0-100 km/h time to 6.7 seconds. This power boost will also increase the top speed to approximately 170 km/h.

European debut and fastest expansion

Nio’s rapid launch plan shows this desire for a global presence. Firefly began China deliveries in April 2025 and is preparing a broader European rollout; however, an August 2025 European start date has not been confirmed by official sources.

This four-month timeframe sets a new record for the company’s fastest-ever overseas expansion. The car is already being delivered in four European countries. The company plans to open pre-orders in three additional markets soon.

October 2025 Nio Group sales surge

The strong growth in Europe is backed by the company’s recent high sales numbers in China. The Nio Inc. group reported record deliveries in October 2025, with 40,397 vehicles delivered.

This represents a significant 92.6% increase compared to sales in October of the previous year. The breakdown shows that Firefly delivered 5,912 units, demonstrating its strength in this new segment.

Onvo L90 success aids Firefly stability

Another key factor supporting Firefly’s entry was the success of Nio’s other brand, Onvo. The Onvo L90 SUV reached cumulative deliveries of 33,348 units by October 2025.

This large family SUV consistently delivered over 100,000 units per month for three consecutive months. This success gives the Nio Group a stable financial base to fund the Firefly’s competitive pricing and costly global launch.

European tariffs and the 170-kW strategy

This strategy is essential due to the high trade barriers. The European Union imposed an additional tariff of 20.7% on Nio vehicles, raising the total import duty to 30.7%.

This makes it challenging to profit from the base Firefly model. Launching a higher-priced 170-kW performance variant is a strategic move to increase revenue per vehicle, which helps offset the high European import tax.

Curious how NIO’s electric sedan stacks up against Tesla’s bestseller? Find out in NIO ET5 vs. Tesla Model 3: What’s the difference?

Battery supplier and structural features

Finally, the technology behind the car shows Nio’s broad supplier network. The Firefly is the only Nio Group car that uses a battery pack from Sunwoda.

The car’s consumption rate is highly efficient, measured at about 145 Watt-hours per kilometer in the standard model. Its rigid body structure contains 83.4% high-strength steel, which directly contributes to its high safety rating.

Want to see how NIO’s SUV is gaining traction fast? Read more in Nio’s ES6 nears 300,000 deliveries after major tech upgrade.

Will a power boost make Firefly a true rival in EVs? Share your view below.

Read More From This Brand:

• Nio Firefly introduces limited-edition ‘Night Creature’ model capped at 666 units
• Deutsche Bank forecasts 35k Nio, 72k Tesla, 42k Xiaomi EVs in Sept
• China EV registrations in week 27: BYD leads with 55,570, followed by Tesla, Xiaomi, and Nio

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.