Now there is no longer any doubt: Xiaomi has made it official that it will soon start producing electric cars, and there is even a date for the first model
The possible entry of Xiaomi in the electric car segment has been talked about for quite some time. It has been difficult to keep at bay the rumors about such a scenario, that of the entry in a market as “felt” as the car one by perhaps the most versatile brand in the world today.
Xiaomi is engaged on an incredible number of fronts. It produces smartphones, of course, but also computers, televisions, electric scooters and even umbrellas, successful kettles or smart palettes for the toilet. All with the unmistakable trademark that has made Xiaomi one of the most beloved companies of all time: a minimalist design combined with an almost always very aggressive price. Now that rumors about the Xiaomi-branded electric car have first been confirmed by the opening of a special division, then in the official words of CEO Lei Jun, it remains to be seen what the Xiaomi electric car will look like, but there will be time to add elements to an exciting project.
The contours of the Xiaomi announcement
The first Xiaomi-branded electric car in fact will arrive in just over two years, in the first half of 2024. As mentioned, it was confirmed directly by CEO Lei Jun, who gave the news in advance during an event dedicated to investors, and then the company moved directly communicating the news through the official social channels.
Needless to describe the enthusiasm of the most loyal fans of the Chinese company, fascinated by the idea of being able to get behind the wheel of an emotional object like the car, also electric, with the Xiaomi brand on the hood. The end of the story, however, seemed already written: not too long ago from Beijing have communicated to have an ambitious project related to the automotive sector, to which they have allocated an investment of 10 billion dollars in 10 years.
Impossible that a monstrous figure like this only concerned a possible entry into the segment as a software manufacturer, almost obvious to many that the company had instead the intention to try its hand in the production of an electric car from scratch. Now, however, any doubts have been swept away in the blink of an eye by the official announcement: Xiaomi will rhyme with electric car from the first half of 2024, when the company will finally remove the veils from the project on which it is working.
Who will build Xiaomi’s electric cars?
No further details for the moment, while the technology world wonders what direction will be taken by Xiaomi. The company doesn’t own any factory able to produce an electric car, so it remains to be understood if, for example, beyond the project, Xiaomi will also take care of the construction of the cars themselves.
It’s likely that at least for the first one it will be decided to rely on a historical manufacturer that will realize the project in its factories in a short time, which would give Xiaomi a way to set up a production plant (or more than one) in which to start the production of the following models. Previously there was also talk of an agreement with Great Wall for the use of the factories, but it still seems premature to unbalance in one sense or another.