Li Auto is gearing up to launch its first all-electric SUV, the Li i8, in July. This model marks the company’s second foray into the all-electric vehicle market, following the release of the Li Mega MPV. CEO Li Xiang has announced ambitious plans to have over 15,000 superchargers in place by the time the Li i8 hits the market.
The Li i8 has already generated significant buzz, with Li Auto recently sharing a teaser video of the model on Weibo. The company revealed the name of the SUV on February 25 and has been building anticipation with the release of official images.
As a prominent player in the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) sector in China, Li Auto has established itself with a range of L-series EREVs, including the Li L6, Li L7, Li L8, and Li L9 SUVs. The introduction of the Li Mega MPV in 2024 marked the company’s first venture into fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Despite initial plans to launch more BEVs in late 2024, Li Auto opted to delay the rollout until the first half of 2025 due to underperformance of the Li Mega, which impacted sales of the L-series models. However, the company remains committed to expanding its BEV lineup with the upcoming release of the Li i8.
Li Xiang has set ambitious targets for the company’s charging infrastructure, aiming to have more than 2,500 self-operated supercharging stations with over 15,000 superchargers nationwide by the time the Li i8 is launched. This initiative is designed to alleviate charging anxiety for Li Auto’s BEV users.
In February, Li Auto celebrated the opening of its 1,873rd supercharging station, bringing the total number of supercharging piles to over 10,000. The company’s focus on enhancing its charging network aligns with its commitment to providing a seamless experience for customers.
Despite challenges in the market, Li Auto continues to show growth, with a 29.69% year-over-year increase in vehicle deliveries in February. The company delivered 26,263 vehicles during the month, contributing to a 9.29% increase in deliveries for the January-February period compared to the previous year.
Looking ahead, Li Auto is set to report its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 in mid-March. The company’s strategic focus on expanding its BEV lineup and charging infrastructure positions it for continued growth and success in the competitive electric vehicle market.
