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Xiaomi to Launch YU7 Electric SUV in July, Aims to Challenge Tesla’s Model Y in China

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Xiaomi, China’s tech giant and the world’s third-largest smartphone maker, announced Thursday that it will begin sales of its second electric vehicle — the YU7 SUV — in July, positioning it as a direct challenger to Tesla’s Model Y, the best-selling EV SUV in China.

The YU7 boasts a driving range of up to 835 kilometers (519 miles) per charge, surpassing Tesla’s redesigned Model Y, which has a maximum range of 719 kilometers (447 miles). Xiaomi did not disclose pricing or begin pre-orders but hinted that, based on configuration, the YU7 could be priced 60,000–70,000 yuan ($8,300–$9,700) higher than the Model Y’s base price of 263,500 yuan ($36,574).

“But we’ll talk about the price in July,” said Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun during the product launch event.

Competitive Edge and Market Context

  • The YU7 is Xiaomi’s second EV following the SU7, a sporty electric sedan that launched last year with design cues from Porsche and competitive pricing under Tesla’s Model 3.

  • Since December, the SU7 has consistently outsold Tesla’s Model 3 in China.

  • Xiaomi has delivered over 258,000 SU7 units since launch, according to Lei.

Headwinds and Safety Concerns

Xiaomi’s growing EV business faces scrutiny after a fatal highway crash in March involving an SU7 in driving-assistance mode. The company has also apologized for unclear marketing practices that led to allegations of false advertising.

“We apologize for marketing that was not clear enough,” Lei acknowledged, amid efforts to restore consumer trust.

Beyond EVs: Xiaomi Chips Up Its Game

Alongside the YU7 announcement, Xiaomi unveiled its second self-developed chip, the Xring T1, following the earlier launch of its Xring O1. Lei claimed the Xring O1 rivals Apple’s A18 chip in performance — signaling Xiaomi’s deeper push into semiconductor self-sufficiency and hardware-software integration.

The simultaneous launch of smartphones, tablets, and EV innovations reflects Xiaomi’s ambition to become a vertically integrated tech powerhouse, blending consumer electronics, mobility, and AI-powered smart hardware into a unified ecosystem.

CATL Develops 10 EV Models with Swappable Batteries, Aims for Mass Adoption

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Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, announced on Wednesday that it has co-developed 10 new electric vehicle (EV) models with automakers, all featuring swappable batteries. This development aligns with CATL’s strategy to promote battery swapping as a key alternative to traditional gasoline stations and standard EV charging methods in China.

Battery Swapping Revolution

Yang Jun, CEO of CATL’s battery-swapping brand EVOGO, revealed plans to launch the first EV equipped with its “choco-swap” battery this month, with additional models to follow in the coming months. CATL also aims to establish 1,000 battery-swapping stations next year and is seeking partnerships to accelerate station deployment.

CATL envisions battery swapping as a transformative solution, predicting that 30,000-40,000 swapping stations could replace one-third of China’s 100,000 gasoline stations in the future. Yang projects that by 2030, battery swapping will account for one-third of EV power-up solutions, alongside home and public charging options.

The “choco-swap” battery is designed for quick replacements, allowing drivers to swap depleted batteries in just one minute. CATL’s battery-swapping service is offered on a subscription basis, starting at 369 yuan ($51) per month. The company is also standardizing battery sizes to encourage broader adoption among automakers.

Collaboration and Expansion

CATL has partnered with state-owned automakers Changan Auto and FAW to integrate the battery-swapping technology. Since the launch of its EVOGO service in 2022, CATL has been piloting battery-swapping stations in select Chinese cities.

Robin Zeng, CATL’s chairman, emphasized the role of green energy in powering the swapping stations and highlighted their potential to stabilize power grids. Additionally, CATL is diversifying into areas like micro power grids and skateboard chassis as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Growing Competition in Battery Swapping

Chinese automaker Nio has been a major player in the battery-swapping space, with over 2,800 stations built as of early December. Nio’s technology allows EV batteries to be replaced in three minutes, offering another fast alternative for EV users.

The battery-swapping trend addresses critical infrastructure bottlenecks, a key challenge slowing global EV growth. While China leads in battery-swapping adoption, companies like Nio and Xpeng are also exploring extended range hybrids to cater to overseas markets with limited EV charging and swapping facilities.

Market Outlook

CATL’s aggressive push for battery swapping reflects its confidence in this technology as a scalable solution for EV energy needs. By enabling faster recharging and enhancing grid stability, CATL aims to position battery swapping as a mainstream option for both domestic and global markets.