Xiaomi’s first electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, has achieved remarkable success, reaching 200,000 units sold within a year of its launch. The company aims to expand globally, with plans to enter the European market by 2027. Innovative demonstrations, including a stunt by CEO Lei Jun involving a durable watermelon, showcase the vehicle’s battery safety features. The SU7 Ultra boasts advanced battery technology with enhanced safety systems, rapid charging capabilities, and an impressive range, highlighting the brand’s commitment to safety and performance.
Who would have thought that introducing an electric vehicle to Xiaomi’s range could lead to success? In fact, the opposite is true. Since its launch, the new SU7 sedan has been a tremendous hit, with the 200,000th unit recently delivered, just under a year after its market debut.
Innovative Demonstrations
The Chinese tech giant is truly confident in its first electric vehicle, and rightly so. As sales continue to soar, Xiaomi has plans to expand its reach globally, with expectations that their cars may enter the European market by 2027. In the meantime, the company is showcasing its capabilities through some unique demonstrations.
One particularly entertaining event featured the brand’s CEO, Lei Jun, climbing to the sixth floor of their Beijing factory to conduct an unusual test. In a surprising twist, he dropped a watermelon, and remarkably, it did not burst. This stunt aimed to highlight the durability of the battery in the new Xiaomi U7 Ultra. This high-performance version of the sedan boasts an impressive 1,550 horsepower.
So, what’s the connection with the watermelon? It was wrapped in a special material known for its strength. This innovative covering is designed to endure various forms of damage, including punctures and abrasions. Interestingly, this same protective material is used to shield the battery of the electric sedan. Such demonstrations effectively reassure drivers and potential buyers, many of whom still harbor concerns about battery explosions in zero-emission vehicles. However, such occurrences are exceedingly rare, even in accidents, thanks to advancements in technology.
Unmatched Battery Durability
Beyond merely safeguarding against risks, automakers are continuously innovating. Take BYD, for example, with its Blade batteries that showcase remarkable resistance to punctures. This was evident during a previous visit to China with the Shenzhen-based manufacturer. Such advancements significantly decrease the likelihood of fire, which is already minimal, as confirmed by recent studies.
Returning to Xiaomi, the Beijing-based brand prioritizes safety in its battery designs. They have integrated a variety of structural, thermal, and electrical safety systems into their CTB (cell to body) batteries. These units are equipped with aerogel insulation and an expansive active cooling system measuring 7.8 m². Additionally, the management system leverages artificial intelligence and cloud technology. To top it all off, the battery pack is reinforced with 14 layers of ultra-high-strength steel.
With these extensive safety measures, the risks remain minimal in the new Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. It features a 93.7 kWh NMC (nickel – manganese – cobalt) battery from the well-known manufacturer CATL, offering fast charging capabilities of up to 5.2 C, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80% in just 11 minutes. The estimated range is 620 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, translating to approximately 530 kilometers on the WLTP cycle.