Chinese electric cars: You should know about these brands
In recent years, Chinese carmakers have been able to significantly expand global sales figures. Electric cars from China are expected to account for 57%of total global production by 2023 . Now many Chinese companies are striving to be successful in the European markets as well and are competing with the established manufacturers. With the SU7, Xiaomi, best known to us for its smartphones, has now introduced a Porsche and Tesla hunter.
Xiaomi: E-cars competewith Porsche and Tesla
Actually, Xiaomi is known for its innovative smartphones and smart home devices. But now the electronics giant is entering the market for electric cars with the SU7 and is making it clear from the beginning that it wants to take on the big names. Even at first glance at the SU7, it becomes clear that Xiaomi has taken its cue from the design Ikones Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S. The sporty, elegant appearance of the SU7, coupled with state-of-the-art technology, is intended to offer a driving experience at the highest level – and at a significantly lower price than the established competitors.
Xiaomi SU7: Sports car orrolling smartphone?
The question is easy to answer: Under the hood, the SU7 offers state-of-the-art drive technology. The basic version has an electric motor with 220 kW (295 hp), while the Max version comes with two motors and a total output of 495 kW (673 hp). The SU7 Max's acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds and the top speed of 265 km/h are impressive figures that will delight even the most demanding drivers.
With the SU7, smartphone giant Xiaomi also wants to position itself as an innovative e-car manufacturer.
The SU7 uses a state-of-the-art battery architecture with capacities ranging from 73.6 kWh to 101 kWh. Thanks to cell-to-body integration, where the battery is an integral part of the vehicle's structure, Xiaomi has been able to optimize interior use while reducing vehicle weight. Depending on the version, the ranges vary between 668 km and 830 km (determined according to the Chinese CLTC cycle). Particularly noteworthy: the fast-charging capability of the Max version, which can charge up to 510 km of range in just 15 minutes.
The interior of the SU7 is a paradise for technology fans. The 16.1-inch infotainment system runs on Xiaomi's HyperOS and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive Platform. For autonomous driving, LIDAR, radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors are integrated, which also support a variety of driver assistance systems. According to the manufacturer, the SU7 will be launched in China in three versions. A sales launch for Europe has not yet been announced.
Meteor Blue, Lava Orange or Radiant Purple: The Xiaomi SU7 is available in nine different colors.
| Feature | Xiaomi SU7 | Xiaomi SU7 Pro | Xiaomi SU7 Max |
| Battery | 73.6 kWh | 94 kWh | 101 kWh |
| Drive | Single motor: 220 kW (295 hp), 400 Nm torque | Single motor: 220 kW (295 hp), 400 Nm torque | Dual motor system: 495 kW (673 hp), 838 Nm torque |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 5.3 seconds | 5.7 seconds | 2.8 seconds |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h | 210 km/h | 265 km/h |
| Range (CLTC) | Up to 668 km | Up to 830 km | Up to 800 km |
| Charging system | 400-volt architecture | 800-volt architecture | 800-volt architecture |
| DC charging time | 25 min (10-80 %) | 30 min (10-80 %) | 19 min (10-80 %) |
| DC charging speed | 2.1 kWh/min | 2.2 kWh/min | 3.7 kWh/min |
| Price (in China, converted)1 |
Approx. 28,000 euros | Approx. 32,000 euros | Approx. 39,000 euros |
Xiaomi's plans for the (Chinese) electric car market
The company launched the electric sedan in March 2024. By the end of the year, 120,000 units are to be delivered (until recently "only" 100,000 units were planned). The SU7 is to be followed by other models in the following three years . Xiaomi has announced that it will invest a total of $10 billion in EV development over the next decade. In addition, it is planned to produce the electric cars in two plants in China. One of the plants was built in Beijing, while the other is being built in Wuhan's Hannan district. Together, they are expected to achieve a production capacity of up to 300,000 vehicles per year.
In Beijing, Xiaomi has built one of two new production sites for electric cars.
Xiaomi is largely financing this expansion from its own funds and plans to further strengthen its market position through its diversification into the automotive sector. The move into the EV market comes at a time when smartphone sales are declining. So for Xiaomi, it is a matter of survival to open up new sources of income. The technology giant's medium-term goal: A total of 900,000 electric vehicles are to be sold over the next three years . And quite clearly, the company wants to establish itself as a major player in the global automotive market.
The five core technologies of Xiaomi's electric cars
Xiaomi's electric car division relies on the approach of merging elements of the classic automotive industry with modern consumer electronics and intelligent ecosystems. Company founder Lei Jun is convinced: By combining industrial manufacturing, smart software and artificial intelligence, Xiaomi will revolutionize the automotive world. Five technology areas are key to this, in which the Group relies on its own research with 3,4000 engineers and 1,000 technical specialists:
- Electric motor: Xiaomi's electric motors (HyperEngine V6/V6s, HyperEngine V8s) are characterized by high efficiency and performance. They are designed to provide impressive acceleration and smooth power delivery.
- Battery: Xiaomi's self-developed CTB battery technology is designed to ensure high energy densities and long lifespans. The batteries offer a long range and support fast-charging technologies to minimize charging times.
- Xiaomi Hyper Die-Casting: With Hyper Injection Molding technology, Xiaomi relies on innovative manufacturing techniques that enable a lighter and stronger vehicle structure. This technology improves vehicle stability and contributes to the overall performance and safety of the car.
- Xiaomi Pilot: Xiaomi's driving system uses advanced sensors and algorithms to enable safe and reliable autonomous driving. This system supports functions such as lane keeping, automatic parking and autonomous navigation in city traffic.
- Smart Cabin: Xiaomi's smart cabin integrates cutting-edge connectivity and entertainment technologies. It offers a comprehensive infotainment system, voice control and personalised settings to maximise comfort and ease of use in the car's interior.
-
Many Chinesee-car manufacturers are striving for Europe
With the SU7 electric SUV, Xiaomi shows that Chinese technology companies are not only increasingly ahead in the field of consumer electronics, but also want to (and can) conquer the automotive market. The SU7 impresses with its powerful technical data, innovative features and attractive design, which can certainly compete with the established luxury electric vehicles. But Xiaomi is not the only Chinese manufacturer that is revolutionizing the automotive industry.
China is now an important, perhaps even the most important center when it comes to innovations in the field of electric cars. Numerous manufacturers such as BYD, NIO, MG, Geely, GWM and Xpeng have successfully established themselves on the market in recent years and are driving electromobility forward with great strides. The power with which this takes place can be admired every two years at Auto Shanghai, China's largest motor show: The trade fair offers a stage for Chinese car manufacturers to demonstrate their innovative strength and competitiveness. And the trade fair often shows that Chinese e-car manufacturers can not only keep up with Western car manufacturers, but are leaders in many areas.
In the following, we present some of the most important e-car manufacturers from China and their models in more detail and explain what they are planning to do in the European markets.
NIO: Battery change in five minutes
Founded in 2014, NIO launched the EP9 electric sports car in 2016 , followed by the ES8 electric SUV in 2018 and later the ES6, and by 2022 NIO had already produced over 200,000 electric cars. In October of the same year, sales started in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. By 2025, locations are to be established in 25 countries. In addition, NIO invested in the expansion of its "Power Swap Stations" (PSS), which enable battery swapping in just five minutes.
NIO's mid-size sedan ET5 is one of the few electric cars also available as a station wagon.
NIO has expanded its vehicle range to include the ET5 mid-size sedan (also available as a station wagon), the EL6 mid-size SUV and the ET7 full-size SUV. The EC7 coupé SUV and the revised ES8 were already presented at the end of 2022 . These two models will initially only be sold in China, but NIO is currently exploring the potential for the European market. In addition, NIO founder William Li announced a smaller electric car for Europe at Auto Shanghai 2023.
The new sub-brands, Onvo and Firefly, play an important role in NIO's global expansion. The Onvo L60, a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, is to come to Europe as soon as possible. The first units will be delivered in China in September 2024, and the model is expected to be available in Europe in early 2025. The first model of the Firefly brand will follow in the course of 2025.
-
MG: Cult brand with Chinese owners
MG Motor has been part of the Chinese car manufacturer SAIC Motor since 2007. He has breathed new life into the former British cult brand and switched the model range entirely to electric cars. In September 2022, the MG4 Electric compact car was presented. The MG4 differs from other electric models such as the MG5 Electric station wagon, the MG Marvel R SUV or the ZS EV because it is based on a pure electric platform, the MSP ("Modular Scalable Platform"). By 2025, the range is expected to grow to ten models. In the small car MG3 Hybrid+, which has also been available in Germany since spring, is not a pure electric car, but a plug-in hybrid.
Geely: Many well-known brands under one roof
The carmaker Geely is represented in Europe by brands such as Volvo, Lynk, Polestar and Smart. The Chinese group also owns parts of Aston Martin and has had Lotus in its portfolio since 2017. The company's plans are correspondingly diverse. Smart, for example, dared to make a complete restart with the small electric SUV Smart #1. With the Smart #3, the next model, has been available for a few months. It is slightly larger, wider and more flatthan the #1 and is basically the coupé version. The electric crossover SUV is offered in five versions ("Lines").
With models like the 001, the Geely subsidiary Zeekr wants to gain a foothold in Europe and Germany.
Geely's Zeekr brand launched in Europe at the end of 2023, starting in Sweden and the Netherlands. The first models are the Zeekr 001 and the SUV Zeekr X. Polestar, another Geely brand, is based on a joint venture with its Swedish subsidiary Volvo. After the Polestar 2 sedan and the Polestar 3 SUV, the Polestar 4 SUV coupé was recently launched on the market. Another Coupé (Polestar 5) and a roadster (Polestar 6) are planned, market launch still uncertain. So far, Polestar's electric cars have been manufactured in China, and from 2026 the Polestar 7 (the presumed successor to the Polestar 2) is to roll off the production line, the first model from a European plant. In addition to Volvo's production facilities in Sweden and Belgium, the planned new plant in Kosice, Slovakia, is also being discussed.
At the Shanghai auto show, Polestar unveiled the latest model, the Polestar 4 SUV coupe.
Great Wall Motor: Getting Started with ORA and WEY
Great Wall Motor (GWM) already presented its ORA and WEY brands to an international audience at the 2022 Paris Motor Show. ORA showed its electric vehicles, including the Funky Cat, Funky Cat GT and The Next Ora Cat models. The premium brand WEY presented its hybrid vehicles Coffee 01 and Coffee 02. The company has now managed to launch in the first European countries, with France and Germany being the main markets. The ORA Funky Cat has already been available in Germany since January 2023.
Xpeng: Expansion to Europe to start in 2023
The Chinese electric car start-up Xpeng, founded in 2014, has been expanding sales in Europe since 2023. To this end, centers have been established in Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark to support the delivery of electric cars built in China. Since May 2022, two models, the G3i compact SUV and the P5 electric sedan, have already been available in Norway. Two models can currently be purchased in Germany: the P7 electric sedan and the G9 electric SUV.
With the G9, a model from the e-car startup Xpeng, which is successful in China, is now also available in Germany.
Conclusion: Conclusion: Chinese e-cars inEurope– opportunities and risks
Europe has established itself as the main target market for Chinese electric cars. On the one hand, electric cars of Western brands are partly manufactured in China and exported to Europe. In addition, more and more "real" Chinese brands such as Aiways, BYD or NIO are pushing into the West. All manufacturers are pursuing ambitious plans and strategies to gain a foothold on the European continent. It should come as no surprise if the number of e-cars from China on German roads will continue to increase.
Politics and business, however, are skeptical about the whole thing. The European Union plans to impose additional punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to protect domestic industry and respond to unfair trade practices on the part of China (significant government subsidies lead to artificially low prices). Currently, the tariff on electric vehicles from China is 10%, but an increase to 25-30% is being discussed. This measure is part of a comprehensive anti-subsidy investigation that started in October 2023 and is expected to be completed by November 2024.
However, the planned tariffs are not without controversy. While France is the driving force behind the new measures, there are significant concerns in Germany as the country has close ties with China and a trade war could have a significant negative impact on the German economy. Internationally, the view is different: Under President Joe Biden, the United States has increased punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles from 25% to 100%. It remains to be seen how the situation in Germany and Europe will develop.
Post a Comment for "Chinese electric cars: You should know about these brands"