Simple battery replacement: More range for the Firefly in China

Nio is providing another upgrade to the Firefly in China. After improving its performance in spring 2026, it’s now time to enhance the battery and thus range. The manufacturer has announced an option for a 60 kWh battery. This battery has the same dimensions as the 42-kWh battery, allowing existing customers to replace it as well.

Image: Thomas Geiger

The Firefly, which is sold in China as a Nio sub-brand model and is also available in some European markets, now comes with an option for a larger power battery in its home country. This is already the second upgrade to this compact electric vehicle within a year. Previously, Nio replaced the 105-kW motor with one that produces 120 kW of power. The newly introduced battery pack is intended to increase the range from 420 km according to the CLTC standard (about 340 km per WLTP) to 560 km (about 454 km per WLTP).

The new battery option is a 60 kWh CATL battery that, despite its higher capacity, has the same dimensions and weight as the previously available 42-kWh battery according to the manufacturer. This is made possible by switching from lithium iron phosphate cells (LFP) to ternary lithium cells, which offer higher energy density.

The option for a 60-kWh battery is available not only when ordering a new vehicle but also for existing customers. The Firefly with the larger battery now costs starting at 136,800 Yuan (approximately 18,350 euros).

Owners who purchased their vehicle with a battery can opt for a permanent upgrade to a 60-kWh battery. This can be done at the earliest one year after the vehicle’s purchase date. The physical swap is straightforward at a battery replacement station, which is also available for the fifth-generation Firefly. The regular price increase for this upgrade is 17,000 yuan (approximately 2,280 euros). Early buyers who ordered their car by October 22, 2026, and complete the swap by the end of 2027 also receive a credit of 2,000 yuan (approximately 270 euros) in points.

Customers who rent the battery monthly can also switch to the 60-kWh package permanently. A one-time service fee of 3,000 yuan (approximately 400 euros) applies for this switch, and the monthly rental fee increases from 399 to 599 yuan (roughly from 54 to 80 euros). As part of a limited-time promotion, the one-time service fee is effectively reduced to 2,000 yuan for eligible first-time buyers through a 1,000-yuan voucher.