Xiaomi's Electric Car is Expected to Appear Earlier, Here's the Explanation

Mobil listrik Xiaomi, dalam proses produksi yang lebih cepat. (foto: screenrant)

JAKARTA – Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi said it would start mass production of its first vehicles a little earlier than expected in the first half of 2024.

Founded more than a decade ago, the company's rapid growth and product portfolio diversification has become quite an interesting spectacle. Once known to make Apple a rip-off, the company has now overtaken Apple as the world's second-largest smartphone maker and is just a few steps away from overthrowing Samsung from its No. 1.

But it's not just their achievements, such as overtaking Apple in the phone business where Xiaomi excels. The company is also the largest wearable brand in the world ahead of Apple and Apple Watch.

Xiaomi EV is ahead of schedule. Aiming for mass production in 2024 H1. pic.twitter.com/DKXHdXty2Y

— leijun (@leijun) October 19, 2021

Over the years, the company's product range has grown rapidly to encompass everything. From gaming laptops and smart cameras to electric toothbrushes and even robots like dogs. Xiaomi's electric vehicle ambitions were announced less than a year ago, but the company has recently accelerated the pace of team expansion and investment to make it happen.

As reported by Reuters citing a company spokesperson, that the company is already aiming to mass-produce its first electric vehicle by 2024. Given the company's ability to make value-for-money products, Xiaomi electric cars will try to undercut competitors by offering complete packages at competitive prices.

Xiaomi head Lei Jun also tweeted that the company's electric vehicle plans had moved ahead of schedule. Mass production will begin roughly three years from now. Looking at familiar competitors, Apple's own electric car is rumored to be arriving in the same year as well.

Xiaomi completed the registration of its electric car division — called Xiaomi EV — just over a month ago. Meanwhile, an investment of 10 billion US dollars was announced in March this year.

But so far, there is no official information on whether Xiaomi will build its own cars or will outsource the work to other, more established companies in the industry. Another Reuters report from April suggested that Xiaomi would manufacture its electric cars at the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors.

Xiaomi's electric vehicle will reportedly offer multiple connected ecosystems with its own product lineup, baking in integrated controls like the rumored Apple CarPlay upgrade.

If Xiaomi decides to outsource its electric vehicle assembly, then they won't be alone, as Apple is reportedly exploring the same route as well. Apple is experienced with the contract manufacturing process in China, where a wide range of products, such as iPhones and MacBooks, are assembled, most of which are handled by Foxconn.

Interestingly, Foxconn showcased three prototypes of its own electric vehicle earlier this week that serve as reference designs for making electric cars on behalf of other brands. However, it remains to be seen if Xiaomi beats Apple in the market with the debut of its first electric vehicle.