Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese smartphone maker, is boldly stepping into the electric vehicle (EV) arena, challenging industry giants like Tesla. The company’s founder, Lei Jun, known for his innovative spirit akin to Apple’s Steve Jobs, is steering Xiaomi towards this new venture. With an investment of over $1.4 billion and a dedicated team of 3,400 engineers, Xiaomi is not just dipping its toes but diving headfirst into the EV market.

Lei Jun also mentioned Steve Jobs as a major inspiration

Lei’s vision for Xiaomi’s EVs is ambitious. The development cost is tenfold the industry average, signifying a high-stakes bet in a fiercely competitive market. However, Lei is not a stranger to challenging established norms. Since its inception in 2010, Xiaomi has disrupted the smartphone industry, emerging as a top player against veterans like Apple. Their recent release, the Xiaomi 14, showcases their capability to innovate and capture market share rapidly.

But the road to EV success is not without hurdles. Lei acknowledges potential challenges in meeting demand if Xiaomi’s EVs receive a warm market reception. The worry is not about attracting buyers but about the capacity to fulfill orders promptly. This concern reflects the high expectations and the scale at which Xiaomi operates.

Xiaomi’s entrance into the EV market is more than a business expansion; it’s a strategic move in an industry experiencing significant growth, especially in China. The country’s EV production has seen a substantial increase, with over 8 million vehicles produced in just 11 months. This growth trajectory places China as a global leader in EV production.

Xiaomi’s EV venture is Lei’s “last entrepreneurship,” symbolizing a culmination of his innovative journey. While it’s too early to predict the outcome, Xiaomi’s track record in the tech industry provides a promising glimpse into its potential success in the EV market. As Xiaomi gears up to launch its EV models, the SU7 and SU7 Max, the world watches with anticipation to see if Lei can replicate his smartphone success in this new domain. Whether the company will be able to shake up the EV market as they did with smartphones remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Xiaomi is not a player to underestimate.

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