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Xiaomi is known for making high-quality smartphones at low prices, but it also makes electric vehicles like mini scooters and the popular HIMO T1 electric bike. The next big thing in transportation may be Xiaomi electric car.
Xiaomi has invested $2 billion in a brand-new electric car company called Nio, which will produce vehicles in China and bring zero-emission electric vehicles in India, the U.S., and Europe. Xiaomi is the latest Chinese company to invest heavily in electric vehicles.
Xiaomi has taken the first big step toward their dream car by signing a deal with BYD’s subsidiary company “Fudi Battery,” a lithium-ion battery maker.
It is reported that BYD gave NIO and Xiaomi huge discounts in terms of business, leading to smooth cooperation between the two.
Further reports stated that Xiaomi’s first electric vehicle would be available in two configurations.
Xiaomi’s low-end EV models will be powered by a 400V voltage platform and BYD blade batteries, while an 800V voltage platform will power the high-end ones. “There is a strong likelihood of adopting products from the Ningde era,” the insider added, “but the terms of cooperation have not been settled.”
BYD blade batteries highlights
1 BYD Blade battery features a prismatic form factor. Still, it is thinner and longer than standard prismatic Lithium-ion cells, allowing for greater cabin space and a more appealing form factor.
2 Blade batteries have a ‘cell-to-pack’ architecture, which reduces the overall cost and saves money in the long run.
3 The Blade Battery also passed other extreme tests, including being crushed, bent, and heated to 300°C in a furnace and being overcharged by 260 percent. Still, there was no fire or explosion due to any of these.
4 Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are other big partners of BYD Batteries.
BYD has battery factories in Shenzhen, Xi’an, Qinghai, Chongqing, Changsha, and Guiyang. According to BYD official, the Fudi battery capacity will reach 75GWh and 100GWh by the end of this year.
Xiaomi has announced that it will begin mass-producing its electric cars in the first quarter of 2024. Lei Jun, the company’s CEO, has reportedly said that they have “nearly completed developing core technologies for our cars and we are ready to roll out by 2024.” Since the announcement of Xiaomi becoming an automobile manufacturer in March 2021. Xiaomi’s smart electric vehicle business has progressed beyond expectations.
Xiaomi says it has exceeded 1,000 people in its automotive R&D team and will expand research and development in core areas such as autonomous driving and smart cockpits.
Do you think BYD’s Blade batteries could be a game-changer for Xiaomi? Let us know in the comments below.
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