Xiaomi enters the EV sector with launch of the SU7
Firm showcases breakthroughs in its 5 core technologies
Xiaomi, the Chinese tech giant and one of the world’s leading smartphone companies, has officially thrown its hat into the automotive ring with the grand debut of the highly anticipated Xiaomi SU7.
Xiaomi aims to redefine the automotive industry, marking a pivotal leap beyond its smartphone origins and solidifying its position as a key player in the ‘Human x Car x Home’ smart ecosystem.
At the Xiaomi EV technology launch event, held in Beijing on December 28, 2023, the company unveiled five core technologies underpinning its foray into electric vehicles: E-Motor, Battery, Xiaomi Die-Casting, Xiaomi Pilot Autonomous Driving, and Smart Cabin.
Revolutionary sedan
The star of the show, the Xiaomi SU7, was ‘pre-launched’, revealing a sedan poised to redefine the boundaries of performance, ecosystem integration, and the mobile smart space.
Lei Jun, the founder, chair, and CEO of Xiaomi Group, articulated the significance of this venture, stating, “Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry signifies a new beginning for Xiaomi.” He added, “I believe that one day, Xiaomi EVs will be a familiar sight on roads around the world.”
The Xiaomi EV initiative is more than just a leap; it is a calculated and ambitious endeavour to reshape the automotive landscape. Lei Jun highlighted the company’s commitment to a tenfold investment strategy, concentrating on foundational core technologies. Xiaomi has already invested over 10 billion CNY in the initial research and development phase, deploying a formidable team of over 3,400 engineers and technical experts across the globe.
In a bid to redefine the technology stack of the automotive industry, Xiaomi showcased breakthroughs in its five core technologies at the Beijing event.
The E-Motor segment stole the spotlight with the HyperEngine V8s, setting a global record with a maximum speed of 27,200 rpm, 425kW output, and 635N·m peak torque. This performance is achieved through innovative technologies like Bidirectional Full Oil Cooling and S-shaped oil circuit design.
Long range
The CTB Integrated Battery Technology is another feather in Xiaomi’s cap, boasting a 77.8% integration efficiency, a 24.4% overall performance improvement, and a maximum battery capacity of 150 kWh, enabling a theoretical CLTC recharge range exceeding 1,200 km.
Xiaomi Die-Casting introduces the T9100 cluster and Xiaomi Titans Metal, redefining the production process with a foundation model quality judgment system and a high-strength, heat-treated die-casting material.
In the realm of autonomous driving, Xiaomi pioneers Adaptive BEV Technology, Road-Mapping Foundational Model, and Super-Res Occupancy Network Technology, showcasing its unique advantage as a global technology leader.
The Xiaomi Smart Cabin is no less impressive, adopting a ‘human-centric’ interaction architecture with a 16.1-inch 3K central console, 56-inch HUD head-up display, and seamless integration with over 1000 Xiaomi smart home devices.
The Xiaomi SU7, positioned as a ‘full-size high-performance eco-technology sedan’, delivers a zero-to-hundred acceleration in a remarkable 2.78 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h. With the Smart Chassis control algorithm, it promises a stable and “bump-free” driving experience.
Unique ecosystem
Lei Jun emphasised that Xiaomi’s automotive journey is part of a broader strategy, completing the ‘Human x Car x Home’ smart ecosystem. The company envisions a future where Xiaomi HyperOS seamlessly integrates over 200 product categories, achieving a coverage extending to over 95% of users’ daily scenarios.
Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry is not just a new chapter; it is a bold proclamation of intent. The Xiaomi SU7, with its fusion of technology, experience, and aesthetics, signals the arrival of a new era in smart electric vehicles, blending seamlessly with the evolving needs of users in an interconnected world.
As Lei Jun aptly puts it, “Xiaomi’s entry into the automotive industry signifies a new beginning for Xiaomi.”
Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.
Featured image: The Xiaomi SU7 is positioned as a ‘full-size high-performance eco-technology sedan’. Image: Xiaomi
