China’s Xiaomi unveils first electric vehicle

Xiaomi, a prominent Chinese smartphone manufacturer, recently revealed its inaugural electric vehicle, marking a significant foray into the automotive industry.

With the newly unveiled electric sedan named the SU7 (where “SU” stands for Speed Ultra), Xiaomi swiftly declared its ambitious goal of positioning itself among the globe’s top five automakers.

‘Super electric motor’

Xiaomi’s Chief Executive, Lei Jun, enthusiastically highlighted the sedan’s standout feature: its “super electric motor” technology. This cutting-edge innovation is touted to provide acceleration speeds surpassing those of both Tesla cars and Porsche’s electric vehicles, positioning the SU7 as a formidable contender in the electric automobile market.

“By working hard over the next 15 to 20 years, we will become one of the world’s top 5 automakers, striving to lift China’s overall automobile industry,” Jun said at the unveiling.

Those plans include building “a dream car comparable to Porsche and Tesla,” he added.

The SU7 is expected to attract many customers due to its unique feature of sharing the operating system with Xiaomi’s popular phones and other electronic devices.

This means that users can enjoy a seamless experience across all their devices, with the same interface and access to the same apps.

Also Read: KWASU engineers convert petrol cars to electric vehicles

“Xiaomi is a well-established consumer electronics brand with hundreds of millions of ‘Mi Fans’, or members of its smart device ecosystem,” said Bill Russo, CEO of Shanghai-based advisory firm Automobility.

“As such, they have a significant opportunity to break through as the automobile becomes a smart device.”

Additionally, the SU7 is equipped with advanced drivers that provide a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a great option for those who prioritize safety and convenience.

The SU7 will come in two versions: one with a driving range of up to 668 km (415 miles) on a single charge and another with a range of up to 800 km. By comparison, Tesla’s Model S has a range of up to 650 km.

Pricing has yet to be announced. Lei said the cost would “indeed be a bit high, but one that will have everyone will think is justified.”

‘Fast-charging capabilities’

Amid one of the coldest Decembers for China on record, the SU7 was also being positioned to appeal to consumers worried about winter. Lei said it had fast-charging capabilities in low temperatures and is equipped with advanced tech allowing it to recognize obstacles under challenging conditions such as falling snow.

The autonomous driving capabilities of Xiaomi cars would be at the forefront of the industry, he also said.

China’s fifth-largest smartphone maker has been seeking to diversify beyond its core business to EVs amid stagnating demand for smartphones, a plan it first flagged in 2021.

Other Chinese tech companies that have partnered with automakers to develop EVs include telecom giant Huawei and search engine firm Baidu.

Xiaomi has pledged to invest $10 billion in autos over the past decade and is one of the few new players in China’s EV market to gain approval from authorities who have been reluctant to add to the supply glut.

Its cars will be produced by a unit of a state-owned automaker, BAIC Group, in a Beijing factory with an annual capacity of 200,000 vehicles.