Xiaomi’s foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market has reached a significant milestone, with industry insiders suggesting that the company’s first-generation electric car is now in the pre-manufacturing stage. Approximately 50 prototypes are said to be in production each week, marking a crucial step towards mass-market availability.
Reports of this development have surfaced in conjunction with images circulating on Chinese social media, purportedly showcasing the body of the new Modena/MS11 prototypes. While the exterior of the prototypes features a camouflage skin, it does little to conceal the sedan’s fairly standard form, which bears a resemblance to the Tesla Model 3.
Despite the familiar exterior, the prototypes incorporate modern EV elements, including frameless doors with pop-out handles and a rear-mounted charging port. An identifying feature hinting at its Xiaomi origins is the logo embedded into the in-door speaker, suggesting that the company may opt for a first-party audio setup rather than collaborating with a partner such as Harman.
Images of the trunk’s interior offer a glimpse of a standard rear storage configuration in Xiaomi’s inaugural electric vehicle. All indications suggest that the OEM’s first EV is on track for its projected 2024 launch.
Xiaomi’s entry into the electric vehicle market has generated considerable anticipation, and the company’s progress in prototype production is a promising sign of its commitment to the segment. The upcoming launch of Xiaomi’s electric car is poised to add a new player to the growing EV market, providing consumers with additional options and contributing to the ongoing transition towards electric mobility.