Li Auto has launched pre-sales for its first all-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Li i8, entering the premium electric vehicle market with pricing that exceeds that of its key competitor, the Onvo L90 from Nio’s (NYSE: NIO) sub-brand.
Pre-orders for the six-seat Li i8 opened on Wednesday, with an estimated price range of RMB 350,000 ($48,760) to RMB 400,000. The company plans to announce official pricing at a launch event on July 29, with customer deliveries expected to begin in late August. Early buyers who place pre-orders before July 29 will be eligible for priority delivery.
The Li i8 is the automaker’s second battery electric vehicle (BEV) following the Li Mega MPV and its first electric SUV. It features a 97.8 kWh ternary lithium battery supporting 5C fast charging and a claimed CLTC range of up to 720 kilometers. Ahead of the launch, Li Auto has expanded its supercharging network to 2,883 stations across China, surpassing its target of 2,500 stations.
In comparison, the Onvo L90, priced at RMB 279,900, offers a lower starting point and larger dimensions, including a longer wheelbase. The model comes equipped with an 85-kWh battery and a CLTC range of 605 kilometers. It also supports battery swapping and benefits from access to Nio’s broader charging infrastructure, including more than 3,400 battery swap stations and nearly 2,900 supercharging locations.
While the Li i8 offers longer range and faster charging, it does not include battery swap capabilities. This puts the focus on its high-speed charging network and battery capacity as key differentiators in appealing to customers seeking performance and convenience in premium EVs.
