Xiaomi’s Journey into the Automotive Industry: Challenges and Innovations

Introduction

Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese consumer electronics company, has embarked on an exciting journey into the automotive industry. As it forays into electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, Xiaomi faces both opportunities and challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of Xiaomi’s venture, the hurdles it encounters, and the innovative features of its first electric car, the SU7.

let's breakdown the complete journey from initial funding and investment followed by factory constructions and some of the key features of CAR and their specs comparison with Tesla.

Founding and Initial Investment

• Background: Xiaomi Automobile Co., Ltd (Xiaomi Auto) was founded in 2021 by Lei Jun, the CEO of the Xiaomi Group. The company’s mission is to establish itself as a significant player in the EV market.
• Investment: Xiaomi committed an initial investment of 10 billion Chinese Yuan (approximately 1.5 billion US Dollars) for its EV venture. Over the next decade, the total investment is expected to reach 10 billion US Dollars.

Factory Construction and Production

• Phased Approach: Xiaomi’s car factory construction is divided into two phases. Phase 1, covering 720,000 square meters, began in April 2022 and was scheduled for completion by June 2023. Phase 2 is planned for 2024.
• Production Capacity: The factory aims to build a two-phase vehicle production facility with a cumulative annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. Each phase will have a capacity of 150,000 vehicles.
• Mass Production: Xiaomi’s first car, the SU7, is set to roll off the production line in 2024, marking the commencement of mass production.

The Xiaomi SU7: Key Features

The Xiaomi SU7, positioned as a “full-size high-performance eco-technology sedan,” boasts several impressive features:

1. Powertrain:
• The SU7 is powered by Xiaomi’s in-house developed electric motors, including the HyperEngine V6/V6s and HyperEngine V8s.
• The base V6 motor produces 299hp and 400Nm of torque, while the V6s adds 75hp and 100Nm of torque. The dual-motor SU7 model combines both variants, delivering a whopping 673hp with a 0-100kph time of 2.78 seconds.
2. Range and Battery:
• Initial models feature a 101kWh CATL-supplied lithium-ion battery with cell-to-body construction and 14 layers of protection.
• The SU7 achieves a range of up to 800km on the Chinese light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC). Xiaomi has also developed a larger 132kWh battery variant with a range of up to 998km.
3. Design:
• The SU7’s modern and aerodynamic design appeals to discerning buyers.
• Inside, it features a 16.1-inch 3K central console, a 7.1-inch rotating dashboard, and a 56-inch heads-up display (HUD).
4. Autonomous Driving:
• The SU7 integrates Lidar technology for advanced driver-assistance systems, enhancing safety and positioning it competitively in the market.

Comparison with Tesla

• Performance: The Xiaomi SU7 outperforms the Tesla Model 3 in acceleration. Its 0-100km/h time of 3.24 seconds surpasses the Model 3’s 4.62 seconds.
• Range: The SU7’s official CLTC range of 800km competes favorably with the Tesla Model 3 AWD Long Range (Highland), which has an official range of 713km under CLTC conditions.

Some internet video claim that company is building a car in just 76 seconds.

here is a video of EV factory.

In summary, Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry brings fresh innovations and formidable competition. As the SU7 hits the roads, all eyes are on this tech-savvy sedan, eager to witness its impact on the EV landscape.