Xiaomi Applies for Sales License in China for Its First EV, the SU7
Updated: Dec 17, 2023
Xiaomi is venturing beyond smartphones and electronics as details about its first electric vehicle (EV) emerge.
The tech giant has reportedly applied for a sales license in China for the EV dubbed the Xiaomi SU7, suggesting that it's ready to be released to the public.
Chinese regulators require automakers to obtain licenses for vehicles they plan to bring to market. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) then publishes a list of the vehicles that pass the approval process every month. Unfortunately for the automakers, the list includes photos and specs about the vehicles that have been submitted for approval – many of which have yet to be revealed.
Thanks to this month's list, there's now more details about the Xiaomi SU7. Chief of which perhaps is that there'll be three variants of the electric sedan: the SU7, the SU7 Pro and the SU7 Max.
The SU7 and the SU7 Max feature similar designs, but come with different specs under the hood. The SU7, for example, has a top speed of 210kmph, while the SU7 has 265kmph. The former also has a curb weight of 1,980kg, while the latter has 2,205kg.
Customers can also choose whether they want the variant with lidar sensor or not. If they choose the first option, the lidar sensor will be situated on the front windshield. Lidar sensors are important in autonomous driving technology, providing the software with a three-dimensional view of the vehicle's surroundings.
The Xiaomi SU7's dimensions are 4,997 x 1,963 x 1,455 mm. It has two powertrain options, one is an RWD with a 220kW motor, while the other is an AWD with a 275kW + 220kW motor. The wheelbase is 3,000mm.
There are no details yet about how the SU7 Pro differs from the standard SU7 and the SU7 Max.
As for the in-car system, the SU7 will feature Xiaomi's HyperOS operating system, which also powers Xiaomi smartphones.
The electric sedan, which was previously codenamed MS11, will go into mass production sometimes in December of this year, with the first shipments arriving in February 2024. Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd (BAIC) will be handling manufacturing duties, not Xiaomi.
Xiaomi first announced it will be coming out with its own EV in March 2021, claiming it will invest over 10 billion yuan into the initiative.
Xiaomi has applied for a sales license in China for its first EV, the Xiaomi SU7, suggesting that it's ready to be released to the public.
The electric sedan could come in three variants: the SU7, the SU7 Pro and the SU7 Max.
The SU7 has a top speed of 210kmph, while the SU7 has 265kmph.
There are no details yet about how the SU7 Pro differs from the standard SU7 and the SU7 Max.