The upcoming update of Home Assistant 2025.2 creates the potential for future improvements by switching to a new graph library: ECharts. However, due to the conversion of the charts, there will be no improvements in this release; on the contrary: initial tests show that there may still be some issues with the charts. The release also includes new features for backup and Voice Assist.

Switching the chart library: Chart.js to Apache ECharts: not entirely smooth?

The complete replacement of the chart library affects many areas of the front end. In order to master the changeover, the existing functionality was initially replicated as best as possible with the new library. After a few initial tests, I assume that this release has not yet fully digested the changeover and that the charts do not necessarily work any better than before. The possible improvements resulting from the switch can only be expected in future releases. I cannot confirm a performance improvement through the new library at the moment and a look at the GitHub issues reveals that not everything is working properly for the e-charts yet. For example, the zoom to an area marked with the mouse no longer works. The zoom can only be triggered using the scroll wheel and does not feel entirely smooth, especially on the PC. See also: Home Assistant; Charts: Scroll- Zoom; Development status.

However, Echarts, including animation, masters a test with many data points with ease: 

The clips were created for a pre-release version: The behavior in the final release may differ.

Date picker for the statistics charts

As in the 2025.1 release, there is an unmentioned but not insignificant innovation in 2025.2 relating to the energy cards: After the introduction of the Sankey charts, 2025.2 offers the possibility to address the statistics charts via the energy date selector:

See: Energy dashboard: Cards also for other dashboards? and Statistics chart: Date / time selection

Improvements to the backup system

From version 2025.1, there are improvements to the backup system. Encryption can be deactivated for certain storage locations, but remains encrypted in the Home Assistant Cloud. Backups can be downloaded in unencrypted format, regardless of storage location. The time for creating automated backups can be customized, including a weekly schedule. There is a new action for automated backups that allows flexible schedules. The backup switch for updates has been reactivated and now shows the last backup time. When updating add-ons, only the add-on and its data are backed up. The file names for backups have been improved and now include the date and time. New storage locations for backups include Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.

Enhancements to Voice Assist

The new Broadcast intention enables voice messages to be sent to all assistants in the home. Temperature control for thermostats can now be done simply by voice, for example with the command "Set the temperature to 19 degrees". Access to calendar data is extended by LLM-based agents. There is also a shared command history between standard and LLM-based agents. The model protocol (MCP) is now integrated into AI tools. It is also possible to send messages via landline telephones.

New integrations

New integrations have been introduced, including Homee, igloohome and LetPot. Existing integrations have also been improved, such as Shelly BLU TRV and HomeWizard Plug-In Battery. Actions such as setting thermostats and the option of voice transmission to all locations also extend the functionality. A new virtual integration type, Decorquip Dream, has also been added to expand the range of services available. In addition, there is now support for Vesync humidifiers and TP-Link Tapo robotic vacuum cleaners, increasing the range of compatible devices.

Conclusion

The 2025.2 release of Home Assistant brings some exciting new features, including improvements to the backup system and enhancements to Voice Assist. However, the switch to the new ECharts graph library is still showing some teething problems, particularly in terms of zoom performance.

The official release notes can be found on the website rc.home-assistant.io.