Xiaomi Launches its First EV At Competitive Price, Another Chinese EV Creating Waves

Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant, has entered the highly competitive electric vehicle (EV) market with a surprisingly low price for its debut EV, challenging established players like Tesla in China.

Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, revealed during a lengthy launch event that the standard entry-level model of its four-door sporty sedan would be priced at 215,900 yuan ($29,871.19).

Lei emphasized that this price significantly undercuts the equivalent Tesla vehicle, stating, “It’s CNY30,000 cheaper than the Model 3,” which starts at CNY245,900 in China.

The response was swift, with Xiaomi announcing that it received 50,000 orders for its SU7 EV range within half an hour after the launch event.

Unlike some of its competitors, Xiaomi opted not to collaborate with existing automakers for its entry into the EV market. (Credits: Xiaomi)

This move marks Xiaomi’s transition into the EV sector after announcing plans in 2021 to invest $10 billion in developing its electric vehicle business over the next decade, heralded by Lei as his “last major start-up project.”

Xiaomi’s entry comes amidst aggressive price-cutting strategies by major players like BYD and Tesla to seize market share in China, the world’s largest auto market, amid a slowdown in the Chinese economy and weakening consumer demand.

Recent data showing a 12% drop in retail sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in China underscores the challenging areas. Against this backdrop, Xiaomi’s pricing strategy could offer a competitive advantage.

“The prices are lower than street and our expectations,” noted CCB International equity analyst Clint Su, predicting a positive impact on sales volumes.

The SU7 range will include more advanced pro and max versions retailing for CNY245,900 and CNY299,900, respectively, positioning Xiaomi’s cars to compete directly with Tesla’s Model 3, Porsche’s Taycan, and Geely Automobile’s Zeekr 007.

Xiaomi plans to commence deliveries of the standard and max models by late April, with the pro versions expected to follow by the end of May. (Credits: Xiaomi)

Lei highlighted that the max version could achieve speeds of 265 kilometers per hour, surpassing the top speed of the Porsche Taycan Turbo.

While targeting 39 Chinese cities by year-end, Xiaomi has not disclosed plans for international sales.

Analysts view initial orders for Xiaomi’s SU7 positively, with projections estimating shipments of 60,000 units by 2024.

However, the aggressive pricing strategy may exert short-term pressure on Xiaomi’s gross profit margin, according to analysts, despite the company’s confidence in both its core business and its commitment to the EV sector.

Josh Alba
Josh Alba
Josh Alba stands at the forefront of contemporary business journalism, his words weaving narratives that illuminate the intricate workings of the corporate world. With a keen eye for detail and a penchant for uncovering the underlying stories behind financial trends, Josh has established himself as a trusted authority in business writing. Drawing from his wealth of experience and relentless pursuit of truth, Josh delivers insights that resonate with readers across industries.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x