Chinese Smartphone brand now an EV car brand?

China’s Technology giant Xiaomi which reportedly is a notable player in the electronics and smartphone industry has finally stepped into the automotive industry with its first EV, SU7. Xiaomi launched the SU7 at an event on 28th March 2024 to take on well-established competitors like Tesla and BYD. SU7 will be offered in four variants, including an entry-level model, a Pro version, a Max edition, and a limited Founders Edition, Xiaomi aims to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

SU7 Design, Powertrain, and Price

The EV has several extras that improve the driving experience, such as a mini-fridge, karaoke equipment, and sound simulation for a sporty vibe. A 3,000 mm wheelbase, 19-inch Michelin alloy wheels, and proportions of 4,997 mm in length, 1,963 mm in width, and up to 1,455 mm in height guarantee a roomy and fashionable ride. There will be nine color options for this EV.

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Offering flexibility, the SU7 comes with two battery options: a 73.6 kWh pack for entry-level variants and a larger 101 kWh pack for the top model. These batteries promise an impressive range of at least 700 km per charge, with plans to introduce a 150 kWh battery next year, extending the range to 1,200 km.

The SU7 supports ultra-fast charging, thanks to its innovative 486V and 871V architectures. Xiaomi claims that with just 15 minutes of charging, the EV can replenish enough power to cover 350 km and 510 km, respectively, catering to the evolving needs of electric vehicle owners.

At the launch event, Xiaomi showcased the SU7's performance capabilities by revealing some amazing numbers. With only 2.78 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, the top-of-the-line Max model can reach a top speed of 265 kmph and has an impressive 810 km of range on a single charge. With a four-wheel-drive, dual-motor setup producing about 986 horsepower, the restricted Founders Edition can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 1.98 seconds.

As per the reports it is priced at a starting point of 215,900 yuan (approximately ₹24.90 lakh), the Xiaomi SU7 undercuts the Tesla Model 3 in China. The company has announced that deliveries of the SU7 will commence this month, with the EV already on display in various showrooms across China, generating considerable interest among potential buyers.

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