Xiaomi Enters the EV Market with the SU7, Priced Below $70,000
Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese smartphone manufacturer, is gearing up to unveil its inaugural electric vehicle (EV), the Speed Ultra 7 (SU7), and commence pre-orders this Thursday. CEO Lei Jun announced that the SU7 would be competitively priced at under 500,000 yuan ($69,186; £54,836), positioning Xiaomi to directly compete with industry giants like Tesla and BYD.
The decision to venture into the electric car realm comes amidst a global slowdown in EV sales, prompting a fierce price war among manufacturers. Xiaomi is banking on the appeal of the SU7’s integrated operating system, mirroring the seamless connectivity experienced across its smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets, in hopes of attracting its extensive customer base.
With a market share of approximately 12%, Xiaomi ranks as the third-largest smartphone vendor globally. The SU7, teased by Xiaomi since the previous year, has drawn comparisons to renowned sports car models like Porsche’s Taycan and Panamera, showcasing Xiaomi’s ambitious entry into the automotive landscape.
Manufactured by a subsidiary of state-owned carmaker BAIC Group at a Beijing-based facility capable of producing up to 200,000 vehicles annually, the SU7 marks a significant milestone for Xiaomi. Bill Russo of Automobility highlighted the importance of demonstrating consumer demand for Xiaomi as a smart EV brand, acknowledging the complexities faced by technology companies entering the competitive EV market.
Xiaomi’s foray into the EV sector underscores its confidence in the Chinese market, contrasting with Apple’s recent decision to halt its EV project due to perceived market limitations outside China. Xiaomi has pledged a substantial $10 billion (£7.9bn) investment in its automotive endeavours over the next decade, indicative of its long-term commitment to the sector.
The Chinese EV market, known for its maturity and robust ecosystem, offers stability to manufacturers amidst intensifying competition. However, Xiaomi’s entry coincides with a burgeoning price war, with Tesla and other local players slashing prices to maintain competitiveness in the lucrative market.
As Xiaomi prepares to launch its inaugural vehicle, the broader EV landscape witnesses evolving dynamics, including shifting consumer preferences and regulatory challenges worldwide. With governments increasingly scrutinising foreign-made EV imports, Xiaomi’s entry into the market signifies a strategic move amidst a landscape ripe for disruption.