Li Auto reported lower vehicle deliveries in May as competition in China’s electric vehicle market continued to intensify, prompting the company to accelerate model updates and expand its international presence.
The company delivered 33,350 vehicles in May, down 18.4% from a year earlier and 2.2% lower than in April, according to figures released on Monday.
Deliveries for the first five months of the year totaled 162,577 vehicles, a decline of 3.0% compared with the same period in 2025. As of May 31, Li Auto’s cumulative deliveries had reached 1.7 million vehicles.
Li i6 Remains a Bright Spot
Despite the broader decline in deliveries, Li Auto said demand for some models remained resilient.
The company noted that monthly deliveries of its Li i6 battery-electric SUV have exceeded 20,000 units for three consecutive months since March, making it one of the stronger-performing vehicles in the lineup.
Li Auto is also seeking to stimulate demand through a refresh of its extended-range electric vehicle portfolio.
Updated L-Series Models Begin Rollout
In May, the company officially launched and began deliveries of the updated Li L9 flagship SUV, marking the start of a broader product renewal cycle for its L-series models.
According to Li Auto, the premium Livis variant of the updated Li L9 received more than 10,000 confirmed orders within two weeks of its launch.
The company plans to continue the rollout later this month with the introduction of the new Li L8.
The updated Li L8 will shift from a six-seat configuration to a premium five-seat layout, a move intended to differentiate it from the larger six-seat Li L9. Li Auto said the redesigned vehicle will feature larger dimensions and a higher-capacity battery pack, providing additional rear-seat space and improved passenger comfort.
Technology Event Planned
Ahead of the Li L8 launch, the company will hold a technology-focused event in June to showcase developments in assisted driving, in-cabin interaction systems, foundation models and internally developed semiconductor chips.
The event comes as Chinese automakers increasingly seek to differentiate their products through software and advanced driver-assistance technologies.
Profitability Under Pressure
Li Auto’s delivery slowdown follows a difficult first quarter in which the company reported a net loss of 2.3 billion yuan ($340 million), ending a period of sustained profitability.
The company attributed the decline largely to intense pricing competition in China’s electric vehicle market. Gross margin fell to 7.9% during the quarter, compared with 20.5% a year earlier, reflecting lower average selling prices.
Li Auto expects second-quarter deliveries to range between 95,000 and 100,000 vehicles.
Overseas Expansion Gains Importance
The company is also looking beyond China for future growth opportunities.
Li Auto plans to introduce the Li i6 electric SUV to Europe in the second half of the year. For right-hand-drive markets, the Li Mega will launch in Hong Kong and Singapore before year-end.
In addition, an international version of the updated Li L9 is scheduled to enter markets in the Middle East and Central Asia during the third quarter.
As of the end of May, Li Auto operated 498 retail stores and 4,088 supercharging stations across China, a network the company believes will support future sales growth and customer retention.
The combination of product updates, technology investments and international expansion reflects Li Auto’s efforts to regain momentum as competition among Chinese EV manufacturers continues to intensify.
