Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil its long-awaited electric vehicle (EV), codenamed MS11, which has generated significant anticipation in the automotive industry. Reports suggest that the company is on track to introduce the EV before the end of this year, coinciding with the launch of its next flagship smartphone.
Xiaomi, known as one of China’s leading technology conglomerates, revealed its ambitious plans for an EV approximately two years ago. Remarkably, the company has expedited the design and development of the vehicle, with leaked images surfacing as early as January. However, it wasn’t until last month that Xiaomi secured government approval to commence production.
Referred to in local media as the “Xiaomi Modena,” trial production of the vehicle commenced in Beijing just last month. The production facility is reportedly assembling approximately 50 prototypes each week. Xiaomi is now poised to receive approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in the coming months, a pivotal step before it can begin selling the Modena.
The Xiaomi Modena is poised to compete with popular electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal, with a competitive starting price in the vicinity of 200,000 yuan (approximately $27,400 USD). Leaked images of the vehicle depict an enticing package, featuring striking design elements such as large LED headlights, a sleek front bumper, flush door handles, a roof-mounted LiDAR system, and a panoramic glass roof reminiscent of the Model 3.
Beneath the Modena’s sleek exterior lies a robust powertrain, including a 101 kWh ternary battery and an 800-volt electrical architecture. While specific power and torque figures remain undisclosed, sources suggest that the Modena could achieve an impressive range of up to 800 kilometers (approximately 497 miles) on a single charge, setting the stage for Xiaomi’s entry into the competitive EV market.
