Li Auto has officially launched pre-sales for its highly anticipated first electric SUV, the Li i8. The company announced that the expected pricing for the Li i8 will range from RMB 350,000 to RMB 400,000, which is significantly higher than the pre-sales price of its direct competitor, the Nio sub-brand Onvo L90.
The Li i8, a six-seat SUV, is set to make waves in the electric vehicle market with its premium features and cutting-edge technology. Consumers who pre-order the Li i8 between July 17 and 29 will receive priority delivery upon confirmation of their orders. The official pricing and detailed specifications of the Li i8 will be unveiled at the launch event scheduled for July 29, with deliveries expected to commence in late August.
One of the key challenges for Li Auto will be convincing potential consumers why they should choose the Li i8 over the cheaper and larger Onvo L90 from Nio. The Li i8 measures 5,085 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,740 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm, while the Onvo L90 is slightly larger in dimensions.
The success of the Li i8 will heavily rely on the availability of a well-developed charging infrastructure. Li Auto has committed to having over 2,500 supercharging stations in China by the time the model launches. As of now, the company has already established 2,883 supercharging stations to support the Li i8.
In comparison, the Onvo L90 supports fast charging and can utilize Nio’s extensive battery swap network, which includes 3,402 battery swap stations, 2,890 supercharging stations, and 1,777 destination charging stations in China.
The Li i8 is equipped with a powerful 97.8 kWh ternary lithium battery pack that supports 5C charging, offering a CLTC range of up to 720 kilometers. On the other hand, the Onvo L90 comes with an 85 kWh ternary lithium battery and a CLTC range of 605 kilometers. The flexibility to upgrade to larger battery packs through the battery swap feature gives the Onvo L90 an edge in terms of range options.
Li Auto founder Li Xiang has expressed confidence that the Li i8 will redefine the pure electric SUV segment. With its advanced technology, spacious interior, and impressive range, the Li i8 is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market. Stay tuned for the official launch of the Li i8 on July 29, as Li Auto continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle innovation.
