Xiaomi opens pre-orders for upgraded SU7 EV in China

Xiaomi has started pre-orders for a new version of its SU7 electric sedan in China, with deliveries expected to begin in April.

The upgraded SU7 will feature lidar remote sensing as standard and a range of up to 902 km, according to CEO Lei Jun.

Prices for the new model start at 229,900 yuan (US$32,900), up 6.5% from the previous version but 2.4% lower than Tesla’s Model 3.

Xiaomi has emphasized safety in its latest campaign after facing public criticism following two fatal accidents involving its EVs in 2025.

Sales of the original SU7, launched in March 2024, have surpassed 360,000 units but have dropped since August, with Tesla’s Model 3 outselling it in China in recent months.

Xiaomi also sells the YU7 SUV and has set a 2026 EV sales target of 550,000 vehicles after reaching 410,000 units in 2025.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Xiaomi’s 902 km claim likely uses CLTC

Range math likely uses the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which reads higher than Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycles used elsewhere 1.
SU7 Ultra’s 93.7 kWh pack hit 630 km on CLTC 1. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) also listed 520 km, 555 km, and 600 km based on use 1.
SU7 Pro with a 94.3 kWh battery claims 830 km on CLTC 2. Hitting 902 km would need a larger pack or better efficiency.
WLTP or EPA ratings are missing, so expect lower real-world range than CLTC at highway speeds 2. The gap matters after a fatal March 2025 crash with advanced driver assistance active 2.

Fast-charging operators face Xiaomi’s 2026 demand

Xiaomi targets 550,000 EVs in 2026, and pilot cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai required ultra-fast chargers in over 90% of highway service zones by 2024 3.
Vendors of 350 kilowatt (kW)+ gear can ride China’s plan for 360,000 high-power stations by 2025 3. The charging market could rise from $24.7 billion in 2025 to $205.3 billion by 2034 4.
Site owners near highways or dense centers should strike deals with State Grid and China Southern Power Grid, or with TELD or Star Charge to win traffic before rivals 4.
Energy storage can pair with stations to smooth spikes 3. Unchecked arbitrage can lift nighttime peaks by 70% to 85% by 2030, which calls for dynamic pricing 3.