Xiaomi electric car rumored to be mid-size sedan starting from US$38,000
Rumors have been circulating that the first Xiaomi EV will be a mid-size sedan available in two versions. This is not the first time reports have circulated that Xiaomi's first electric vehicle will be a sedan. The vehicle, codenamed Modena, is believed to start from between 260,000 and 300,000 yuan (~US$38,022 to US$43,870), according to the latest rumor. It was suggested that the second model would retail for over 350,000 yuan (~US$51,182). The alleged models and pricing were reported by Chinese media outlet Jiemian.com, which listed its source as "people close to Xiaomi".
Supposedly, the electric cars will use the next-generation Qualcomm and Nvidia Orin X smart chips. The entry-level model is expected to be based on the 400 V platform and use a BYD LiFePO4 battery. The more expensive car could use the 800 V platform and a CATL Kirin battery. An older rumor suggested this model would have a 260 kW motor. Reports also claim that the Xiaomi electric car will be unveiled in 2023, and mass production will begin the following year. The website notes a second car is in development, internally named Le Mans, which could launch in 2025. It has been suggested that this car would be built on the same platform as the other EVs but with three motors.
In other news, several people spotted a camouflaged vehicle near the Xiaomi Science and Technology Park in China, which some speculate could have been a prototype for one of the upcoming Xiaomi EVs. The first prototypes were said to have rolled off the production line in September.