Xiaomi SU7 Outshines Tesla Model 3 in China

The Xiaomi SU7 electric car has surpassed the Tesla Model 3, which was previously considered the most popular electric car in the Chinese market, in terms of sales volume. Although Tesla"s entry into the Chinese market was a remarkable achievement, Xiaomi"s venture into the electric vehicle industry in China has been even more impressive.

Tesla was the first foreign car manufacturer to obtain a wholly owned factory in China, where it built the plant and began production in record time, marking a historic moment for the electric vehicle industry in China and the world. During the first six months of Model 3 production at the Gigafactory Shanghai in 2020, Tesla produced around 50,000 vehicles, an unprecedented achievement at the time.

On the other hand, Xiaomi, known for its electronics, produced 70,000 SU7 electric cars in the first six months of production last year. In its first full year of production, Xiaomi emerged from nowhere and surpassed Tesla Model 3 sales in the critical Chinese market, a significant accomplishment for a new player in the field.

Last January, Tesla sold approximately 8,000 Model 3 cars in China, while Xiaomi sold over 22,000 SU7 electric vehicles. This trend is expected to continue in Xiaomi"s favor.

One of the main reasons for this success is that the base price of the SU7 is about 20,000 yuan (approximately $2,500) lower than that of the Model 3, and it offers a larger battery capacity, providing a 10% longer range. Additionally, the SU7 features advanced technological elements not available in Tesla vehicles, such as a heads-up display, a small refrigerator in the rear compartment, and a turn signal lever.

The most obvious indicator of the SU7"s superiority over the Model 3 is the long waiting times to acquire it. Although SU7 production already exceeds that of the Model 3, obtaining a Tesla Model 3 requires a wait of only one to three weeks after ordering, while getting an SU7 requires a wait of 31 to 34 weeks.

These long waiting times for the SU7 benefit Tesla, as some customers prefer not to wait too long for a new car. Nevertheless, Xiaomi continues its efforts to increase production and meet the growing demand for its electric vehicles.