5 Xiaomi Car Details You Must Know Before the Official Launch

Xiaomi will likely become the first tech behemoth to step into this unexplored territory, trying to pioneer a trend that several other companies will adopt in the coming years.

Apple's automotive ambitions make the news regularly, especially as the iPhone maker has been trying to poach several high-profile figures from the car industry. At the same time, the Apple Car is a critical product for CEO Tim Cook and the company's future, as analysts see it as a money-making machine that could let Apple expand beyond the saturated tech world.

OPPO, Huawei, and several other tech firms have different plans for automotive expansion, but Xiaomi and Apple seem to spearhead the migration with vehicles built from scratch.

Here's everything you need to know about the first vehicle ever developed by a tech company.

The launch date

Xiaomi plans to launch its first-ever vehicle next year. The company started work on the car a couple of years ago, and the CEO led the project. Xiaomi's automotive strategy runs on a $10 billion budget to make the company a leader in the automotive industry in approximately one decade.

While the launch is due in 2024, Xiaomi works around the clock to prepare the vehicle for the official unveiling.

The firm plans summer and winter tests throughout the year, with the vehicle to receive the last-minute touches in early 2024.

The official unveiling will likely happen in the spring of 2024, while Xiaomi will start production in the summer. The first units should ship by the end of the next year.

Pricing

It's too early to discuss such details, but I will rely on the rumor mill for pricing information.

Xiaomi allegedly plans two versions of the Xiaomi Car. The first model will run on a single electric motor and offer a range of approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles). It could carry a price tag of around $21,000.

The second model will sport increased performance, so its autonomy will drop to 700 kilometers (around 450 miles). The starting price will be higher this time, likely close to $25,000.

Initial availability

Xiaomi will launch its first-ever car in China, trying to compete with local carmakers in the EV market. The company also aims for an international launch in Europe and the United States.

Xiaomi has previously encountered several legal issues in the United States, with former President Donald Trump adding the company to the list of companies banned in the country. The United States eventually removed Xiaomi's ban in 2021, so in theory, the company can sell cars in the country if it complies with local regulations.

Apple will undoubtedly bring its cars to international markets, so Xiaomi wants to arrive in Europe as fast as possible, possibly before its American rival takes the wraps off its EV.

The powertrain

Xiaomi Car will launch with an electric motor, but its specifications are unknown.

The base model will use a single electric motor, while the upgraded version will run on two units for increased performance. The autonomy will be 800 and 700 kilometers, respectively, with Xiaomi focusing heavily on optimizations for increased range.

Based on Xiaomi's existing patents, the car will feature a fast-charging system, but its specifications are unclear. Previously, Xiaomi patented systems that can charge a battery to 80 percent in 20 minutes, but the company has so far tried to keep automotive technology a secret.

Digital keys and full smartphone integration

Xiaomi is one of the leading tech companies in the world, and naturally, its first car will come with an increased focus on technology.

The vehicle will integrate digital keys, allowing owners to unlock the doors using mobile phones. The technology is already available on the market thanks to UWB support.

Xiaomi Car will also sport full smartphone integration for seamless two-way communications. Owners will have full access to the vehicle from a remote location, while the smartphone will play an essential role in the driving experience. While I expect the Xiaomi Car to feature Android Auto support, I also believe the Chinese company will launch its phone projection system with more advanced capabilities. Some of these features will be exclusive to Xiaomi phones, as the Chinese company wants to create a complete ecosystem that will keep customers committed to more than just a single device.

Xiaomi also aims for full self-driving capabilities (Apple will launch its first car with limited features in this regard), so an upcoming version of the Xiaomi Car will focus heavily on autonomous driving. The initial version launching next year will include Tesla-like options, but Xiaomi will unlock new capabilities (and possibly lift some limitations) using OTA updates.