In 2021, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi declared its intention to venture into the electric vehicle (EV) market, with plans to introduce its first EV by 2024. The company has now confirmed its readiness to present its EV technology at an upcoming event soon.
Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi, announced on a social media platform that the company’s EV technology will be unveiled at the Stride event. The company had been testing an electric vehicle, codenamed Modena, in snowy environments earlier this year. However, Jun clarified that the upcoming event, scheduled for December 28 at 2 pm China time (11.30 am IST), will not feature any product reveal. In a subsequent social media post, Jun expressed that Xiaomi’s EV technology aims to revolutionize the automotive sector by merging automotive, consumer electronics, and intelligent ecosystems.
Xiaomi’s Entry into the EV Market The company has received authorization to manufacture EVs from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which oversees investment and production capacity in the nation’s auto industry.
Xiaomi has committed to a decade-long investment of USD 10 billion in its EV division. It plans to start mass production of its initial car models in the first half of 2024.
In January, Xiaomi tested its Modena EV model in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. The test focused on evaluating the vehicle’s battery performance in extremely cold conditions. The company has also recruited over 500 global experts to develop proprietary autonomous driving technology.
Images of Xiaomi’s test vehicle reveal it as a sedan with an aerodynamic design, a long hood, and a gently sloping roofline towards the rear. Features include retractable door handles and LiDAR sensors mounted on the vehicle’s roof.
