Xiaomi launches debut EV, aims to rival Porsche and Tesla
The Straits Times|December 30, 2023
The billionaire co-founder of Xiaomi unveiled the company's first electric vehicle on Dec 28, declaring ambitions to become a top global car maker in 15 to 20 years and compete against Tesla and Porsche.
Xiaomi launches debut EV, aims to rival Porsche and Tesla

The SU7, which stands for Speed Ultra, will be powered by batteries from Chinese market leaders Contemporary Amperex Technology and BYD, depending on whether it has a single or dual motor configuration.

Xiaomi's EV foray is a US$10 billion (S$13.2 billion) wager by CEO and co-founder Lei Jun that his company can shake up the transport sector much as it did smartphones a decade ago. Mr Lei, also a prolific venture investor, has called it his final entrepreneurial bet.

But in the time since first announcing his EV plans in 2021, the regulatory landscape and competition in China - the world's biggest car market - have changed significantly.

Beijing has been limiting manufacturing permits to new market entrants, which means Xiaomi has to partner state-owned Beijing Automotive Group to produce its EVS.

State subsidies that reimbursed consumers with as much as 60,000 yuan (S$11,100) for an EV purchase ended in 2022. The SU7 is also vying for attention in a market that has hundreds of models from dozens of brands.

"Xiaomi's goal is to make a dream car that is as good as Porsche and Tesla," Mr Lei said on Dec 28 at the launch event, attended by thousands of people at the China National Convention Centre.

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