November 2, 2026 – NIO Firefly will add a new driving mode through OTA version 220 before the end of 2026, Firefly president Jin Ge confirmed at NIO’s eighth-anniversary event. He described the mode as “very interesting” but did not disclose specific functions.
Public speculation has focused on two possibilities: simulated sound effects delivered through interior or exterior speakers, and a performance-oriented mode that adjusts throttle response, steering feel and energy recovery logic. However, Firefly has ruled out a drift mode. Jin Ge said the model is positioned as a compact, safety-first EV, and the brand will not encourage driving behaviors that could compromise stability.
Firefly launched on April 19, 2025 at 119,800–125,800 yuan. It measures 4,003×1,781×1,557 mm with a 2,615 mm wheelbase and is powered by a rear-mounted motor producing 105 kW and 200 N·m, with a 0–100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h. The current model uses a 42.1 kWh LFP battery for 420 km CLTC range, supports both charging and battery swapping, and comes with 15 active safety features, 11 driver-assistance functions and 128 TOPS of computing power. A 60 kWh variant has been declared, with CLTC range expected to reach 560 km.
