Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Xiaomi
We've known for a while that Xiaomi was working on an electric vehicle, and while its launch is due next year, it now looks like the Chinese tech giant is already paving the way for more vehicles to debut by the end of the decade.
Xiaomi has started negotiations with traditional carmakers for contract manufacturing. Local media indicates that the Chinese tech giant has discussed a possible collaboration with BAIC Bluepark and Brilliance Auto. The tasks with BAIC have gone well, and the carmaker might accept to build cars for the technology firm, but a decision hasn't yet been made.
Xiaomi will launch its first car – an electric sedan – next year, and the company will use a new facility in Beijing for production. The plant's construction takes place in two stages, the first of which has already been completed. At the moment, the facility can produce up to 150,000 units per year.
Xiaomi needs additional production power for two reasons. First, it wants to be ready for increased production of the EV sedan once it reaches its initial output targets. And second, it's already working on the second vehicle, which could launch as an electric SUV, so the existing production plant in Beijing can't handle the manufacturing of two models.
The company is trying to shoot two birds with one stone, and a partnership with a traditional carmaker would allow it to boost the production of its first car but also be prepared for the second once it's ready.
Xiaomi is aiming for the international launch of its cars, so it must possess the necessary production power to handle a bigger number of orders. Partnering with traditional carmakers is an easy way to achieve this, though it also involves Xiaomi relying on more third parties than it initially wanted.
Xiaomi is the first tech giant to launch a vehicle built from scratch. Apple is also working on an electric vehicle, with the latest rumors suggesting the first model could debut in 2026. Xiaomi Car will compete directly against the Apple Car, and the two models are expected to be heavily focused on technology and smartphone integration, as both companies are planning to expand their ecosystem, allowing all devices to work seamlessly in the automotive industry.
Apple has so far remained tight-lipped on its automotive ambitions, but the company is believed to have refused to work with traditional carmakers to produce its vehicles. Sources with knowledge of the matter said several car brands, including BMW, refused to work with the iPhone maker because they didn't want to become a contract manufacturer for what could eventually become a rival. As a result, Apple will work with Foxconn, the company already in charge of assembling iPhones.
Xiaomi will launch its first car – an electric sedan – next year, and the company will use a new facility in Beijing for production. The plant's construction takes place in two stages, the first of which has already been completed. At the moment, the facility can produce up to 150,000 units per year.
Xiaomi needs additional production power for two reasons. First, it wants to be ready for increased production of the EV sedan once it reaches its initial output targets. And second, it's already working on the second vehicle, which could launch as an electric SUV, so the existing production plant in Beijing can't handle the manufacturing of two models.
The company is trying to shoot two birds with one stone, and a partnership with a traditional carmaker would allow it to boost the production of its first car but also be prepared for the second once it's ready.
Xiaomi is aiming for the international launch of its cars, so it must possess the necessary production power to handle a bigger number of orders. Partnering with traditional carmakers is an easy way to achieve this, though it also involves Xiaomi relying on more third parties than it initially wanted.
Xiaomi is the first tech giant to launch a vehicle built from scratch. Apple is also working on an electric vehicle, with the latest rumors suggesting the first model could debut in 2026. Xiaomi Car will compete directly against the Apple Car, and the two models are expected to be heavily focused on technology and smartphone integration, as both companies are planning to expand their ecosystem, allowing all devices to work seamlessly in the automotive industry.
Apple has so far remained tight-lipped on its automotive ambitions, but the company is believed to have refused to work with traditional carmakers to produce its vehicles. Sources with knowledge of the matter said several car brands, including BMW, refused to work with the iPhone maker because they didn't want to become a contract manufacturer for what could eventually become a rival. As a result, Apple will work with Foxconn, the company already in charge of assembling iPhones.
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