How Xiaomi managed to succeed in creating cars while Apple had to scrap its plans
- Xiaomi has launched its electric SU7 sedan for $30,000
- It’s succeeded in doing something Apple could not
- The new EV has placed Xiaomi as a major automotive player
Published on Mar 10, 2025 at 3:50 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Mar 10, 2025 at 3:50 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Xiaomi has been able to produce its own EV, where rival smartphone manufacturer Apple failed to do the same.
The Chinese company launched the SU7 electric sedan in 2023, and with a starting price of just $30,000, it represents an excellent alternative to Tesla’s EVs.
It also put Xiaomi on the map as a serious potential player in the world of electric cars.
Given how badly Apple has failed to create an electric car after 10 years of work, it’s very impressive that Xiaomi has been able to do it.
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Billions of dollars of state support assisted Xiaomi
To their credit, the Chinese government has poured billions of dollars into developing electric cars.
This is how companies like BYD and Neo have been able to steal a march on the West and produce great cars at affordable prices.
Electric car supply chains are largely inside China, so Xiaomi was able to secure battery supplies from both BYD and CATL.
The company also took over a significant manufacturing plant from the Beijing Auto Group, further enhancing its production capabilities.
This is in stark contrast to Apple’s somewhat feeble efforts, which never even got to the prototype stage.
Clearly, it worked well, as Xiaomi is set to launch another electric car, an SUV, soon.
Prices are making the SU7 competitive
Xiaomi isn’t just doing well in terms of competing against rivals from China, it’s also doing well against mainstream companies.
With a starting price of $30,000, it’s more affordable than many of Tesla’s products and even cheaper than the Hyundai Ioniq range.
What’s more impressive is how good the SU7 looks.
It’s a striking four-door sedan with hints of the Porsche Taycan in its design.
Plus, everything from the company is linked together.
If you own a one of its smartphones, for example, the handset will integrate seamlessly with the car.
So it can work out a routine for the user and determine the best time for recharging.
The SU7 has truly put the Chinese company on the automotive landscape.
Time will tell if it can take things to the next level, and if the promised new hypercar lives up to these expectations.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
