This Chinese EV could be the Tesla Model Y ’killer’

Competition remains high in the EV space globally, but one place Tesla is feeling the heat more is China. In January, the Model 3 was completely outsold by the Xiaomi SU7, and the upcoming YU7 could similarly outclass the Model Y.

Tesla China reportedly moved 8,000 Model 3 units in the first month of the year, while Xiaomi delivered 22,000 SU7s in its local market. The latter has several selling points, including a larger battery, better driving range, heads-up display, and even a mini fridge. Topping it all off, the SU7 is about $2,500 cheaper.

The trend appears set to continue. A ten-times-longer wait time indicates higher demand for the Chinese EV. However, this might benefit Tesla to an extent, as impatient buyers could end up settling for the Model 3.

What remains to be seen is whether the upcoming Xiaomi YU7 will overtake the Model Y in sales. It is interesting that the phone maker is already using Tesla’s ‘gigacasting’ method to manufacture the SU7 while also adopting the ‘structural battery pack’ design. With all the production knowledge gained so far and a potential list of competitive features, perhaps Xiaomi is getting ready to launch the Tesla Model Y ‘killer’?

Xiaomi has revealed the YU7 will start rolling off the assembly lines later this year.