In a strategic move to alleviate delivery bottlenecks for its inaugural electric vehicle, the SU7, Xiaomi is ramping up production by diversifying its battery suppliers. The tech giant has announced that the entry-level variant of the SU7 will now be equipped with batteries from either CATL or BYD, two of the industry’s leading battery manufacturers.
This unexpected partnership marks a significant milestone for Xiaomi EV as it navigates production challenges and strives to meet the burgeoning demand for its electric SUV. By broadening its supplier base, Xiaomi aims to stabilize its supply chain and expedite the delivery process.
The decision to integrate both CATL and BYD batteries into the standard SU7 underscores Xiaomi’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology and superior performance to its customers. Both battery types offer an impressive CLTC range of 700 km, ensuring substantial driving distance on a single charge. Additionally, these batteries support fast charging, enabling a 350 km range replenishment in just 15 minutes.
Xiaomi EV assures customers that the choice between CATL and BYD batteries will not impact the vehicle’s performance or range. The company highlights that both CATL and FinDreams, BYD’s battery manufacturing division, are renowned for their high-quality and reliable battery cells.
To further enhance the production process, Xiaomi EV plans to implement double-shift operations at its manufacturing facility starting in June. This increased production capacity, combined with the expanded supplier network, is expected to boost monthly deliveries to over 10,000 units.
Launched in March 2024, the Xiaomi SU7 has quickly captured the market’s attention with its three distinct variants: Standard, Pro, and Max. With a starting price of RMB 215,900 (€27,800), the SU7 offers various options to accommodate diverse customer preferences and budgets.
Initially powered exclusively by BYD’s blade batteries, the standard version now also incorporates CATL’s battery technology. The Pro version is equipped with CATL’s Shenxing Battery, while the premium Max variant features CATL’s advanced Qilin Battery. Each version provides different battery capacities and CLTC ranges, allowing customers to select the model that best suits their needs.
By adopting this dual battery strategy, Xiaomi not only reinforces its commitment to innovation and quality but also positions itself to better handle the growing demand for its electric vehicles. This move is poised to solidify Xiaomi’s presence in the competitive electric vehicle market and ensure timely delivery of the highly anticipated SU7.