Xiaomi Sky Nomad family SUV line features retractable roof tent

Xiaomi is jumping on the extended-range vehicle bandwagon with a huge 80 kWh battery and a gas-powered generator to back it up during longer trips. The so-called extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) trend is all the rage among its direct competitors, so, after becoming hugely successful with its EV business that turned a profit in just two years, Xiaomi is now looking to hybrid powertrains.

The Xiaomi Auto subsidiary just filed for the brand Sky Nomad as a new vehicle line, with the corresponding social media accounts. Given the camouflaged EREV vehicles leaked so far and their rumored specs, Xiaomi's Sky Nomad is emerging as a separate sub-brand for the outdoor and family lifestyle market.

The first Sky Nomad vehicle will reportedly be a full-size SUV codenamed N90 but expected to arrive as the YU9. Sources point to a length north of 5,300 mm and a wheelbase around 3,100 mm, putting it firmly in big 3-row family SUV territory. Xiaomi’s EREV concept combines a giant (for a hybrid vehicle) 80 kWh CATL battery pack that alone offers up to 300 miles of pure electric range, while a 1.5-liter gas-powered extender pushes total range past 1,500 km. All those numbers on China's generous CLTC cycle, of course, but an 800-mile combined range in EPA terms would be nothing to sniff at, too.

The unique proposition of Xiaomi, however, is seemingly the roof of one of the YU9 trims. Leaked spy shots suggest a retractable roof that, once raised, essentially turns the SUV into a camper van begging to be parked somewhere scenic for the night. The pop-up tent tilts upward to maximize interior headspace and would essentially transform the back of the SUV into a two-level loft space, allowing users to stand or sleep more comfortably. 

As for the first vehicles in Xiaomi’s Sky Nomad EREV line, the release date is reportedly slated for late July, with sales kicking off in August, backed by over 10,000 units ready for immediate delivery. EREVs are all the rage in China, but BYD and others plan to export them to overseas markets as well, since they are a good tradeoff between electric-only mobility for shorter trips and a hybrid one for longer hauls with the ubiquitous gas fueling infrastructure along the way.