Xiaomi delivered more than 40,000 electric vehicles in October 2025, marking the second consecutive month the Chinese smartphone giant has crossed this threshold and signaling its accelerating momentum in the competitive EV market. The Beijing-based company announced the milestone on social media Saturday without disclosing exact figures, maintaining its practice of releasing precise quarterly data only alongside earnings reports.
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October Milestone Extends Delivery Streak
The October performance represents a continuation of Xiaomi’s record-breaking September, when the company delivered 41,948 vehicles a 209.37% increase from the 13,559 units delivered in the same period last year. This sustained growth trajectory demonstrates the company’s ability to scale production while meeting overwhelming market demand for its electric sedan and SUV models.
For a brand that only began EV deliveries 18 months ago, these numbers showcase remarkable market penetration. Xiaomi officially launched its SU7 electric sedan on March 28, 2024, positioning it as a direct competitor to Tesla’s Model 3. The company has since expanded its lineup with the SU7 Ultra performance variant and the YU7 SUV, which directly challenges the Tesla Model Y.
Annual Target Within Reach
Quick Answer: Xiaomi has delivered approximately 297,000 vehicles year-to-date through October, putting the automaker at roughly 85.7% of the 350,000-unit annual target set by co-founder and CEO Lei Jun.
Based on October’s performance, Xiaomi needs to deliver approximately 53,000 vehicles across November and December to meet its ambitious annual goal. This translates to an average of about 26,500 units per month a target that appears achievable given the company’s recent monthly delivery rates exceeding 40,000 units. The final two months of 2025 represent a crucial window for Xiaomi to cement its position in the world’s largest automotive market.
Chinese EV Market Rankings
The Chinese EV landscape has become increasingly competitive, with multiple startups and established manufacturers vying for market share. October’s delivery figures reveal a fiercely contested market where Xiaomi holds a significant but challenging position among newer entrants.
Leapmotor Leads October Deliveries
Leapmotor topped October rankings among Chinese EV startups with 70,289 deliveries, followed by HIMA at 68,216 units. These leaders demonstrate the intense competition facing Xiaomi as it scales production and establishes brand loyalty in a crowded marketplace.
Xiaomi Ranks Fifth Among Startups
Despite its impressive growth, Xiaomi currently ranks fifth among Chinese EV startup manufacturers. XPeng delivered 42,013 vehicles in October, representing a 76% year-over-year increase and marking its second consecutive month exceeding 40,000 units. NIO achieved a record 40,397 deliveries, its first month surpassing the 40,000-unit threshold. This competitive environment underscores both the opportunity and challenge within China’s rapidly expanding EV sector.
Production Challenges and Wait Times
Quick Answer: New Xiaomi customers face delivery wait times of 38-52 weeks, with the YU7 SUV experiencing the longest delays due to unprecedented demand that generated 240,000 locked-in orders within 18 hours of launch.
YU7 SUV Drives Unprecedented Demand
The YU7, launched on June 26, 2025, shattered Chinese automotive records by securing 200,000 pre-orders within three minutes. Within 18 hours, locked-in orders reached 240,000 units an overwhelming response that exposed capacity constraints in Xiaomi’s manufacturing operations. The SUV’s competitive pricing starting at 253,500 yuan (approximately $35,000) positions it directly against Tesla’s Model Y while offering attractive range figures between 472 and 519 miles on a single charge.
Delivery Times Stretch Beyond One Year
Current wait times paint a challenging picture for eager buyers. Customers ordering the standard YU7 now face delivery windows of 59-62 weeks, while the SU7 sedan series shows wait times of 38-41 weeks for the standard version. These extended timelines create both a blessing and a curse confirming strong market demand while potentially frustrating customers and opening opportunities for competitors to capture market share.
Manufacturing Expansion Plans
To address capacity constraints, Xiaomi secured an additional 485,000 square meters of land in Beijing’s Yizhuang district in June 2025 for $88.5 million. This acquisition sets the stage for the third phase of its EV manufacturing plant, which will complement existing facilities designed for 300,000 units annually across two phases. Local reports indicate the company has already managed to cut delivery waiting times by up to two months through the expansion, though significant backlogs remain.
Safety Concerns Following Fatal Accident
A fatal accident in October 2025 involving a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has raised significant safety concerns about the vehicle’s emergency accessibility features. The incident occurred around 3:16 AM on October 13 on Tianfu Avenue in Chengdu, Sichuan province.
Chengdu Crash Sparks Door Handle Debate
The accident scene revealed a disturbing reality bystanders were unable to open the burning vehicle’s doors to rescue the trapped driver. Multiple passersby attempted to break the side windows with elbows and shoe soles, but the glass remained intact. Even after deploying fire extinguishers toward the driver’s seat, rapidly spreading flames and intense heat prevented rescuers from getting close. The driver tragically perished in the incident.
Videos circulating on Chinese social media show the SU7 Ultra priced at 529,900 yuan engulfed in flames with multiple people unsuccessfully attempting to access the vehicle. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, only the vehicle’s frame remained, and rescuers ultimately needed hammers and electric saws to cut open the doors.
Stock Price Impact
The Chengdu accident sent shockwaves through Xiaomi’s stock performance. Shares plummeted 6.5% immediately following the incident, and the company posted its worst week in over three years with an 11.7% decline. This dramatic market reaction underscores investor concerns about potential safety liabilities and reputational damage in a market where consumer confidence remains paramount.
Strategic Response and Leadership Changes
Xiaomi has responded to mounting challenges by establishing a new Architecture Department reporting directly to CEO Lei Jun. This newly formed team includes several heads of R&D departments and focuses on exploring the technological foundation for next-generation vehicle products. The organizational restructuring consolidates R&D leadership to address both safety concerns and technical advancement needs.
This follows Xiaomi’s September 2025 recall of over 116,000 SU7 sedans to address limitations in driver-assistance software. The recall demonstrates the company’s willingness to proactively address technical issues, though it also highlights the challenges facing a smartphone manufacturer transitioning into the complex automotive sector.
Tax Policy Changes Loom for 2026
Quick Answer: China will end full EV tax exemptions on January 1, 2026, transitioning to a 5% purchase tax with maximum benefits capped at 15,000 yuan ($2,110) per vehicle, creating urgency for year-end purchases.
Currently, electric vehicles purchased in China enjoy zero purchase tax a policy that has significantly boosted EV adoption rates. Starting January 1, 2026, the government will implement a 50% purchase tax (5% rate) on EV purchases, with tax reduction capped at 15,000 yuan per vehicle for cars meeting strict technical requirements. This policy shift creates intensifying pressure on automakers to clear inventory and maintain sales momentum through year-end 2025.
The tax changes are expected to trigger a buying rush before year-end, as consumers seek to maximize savings under the current full exemption policy. For Xiaomi and its competitors, this presents both an opportunity to accelerate deliveries and a challenge to manage production capacity amid surging demand.
What This Means for EV Buyers
Prospective Xiaomi EV buyers face several key considerations. Extended wait times mean purchases made today won’t result in delivery until late 2026 or even 2027, potentially subjecting buyers to the new tax structure. However, Xiaomi has announced it will cover losses from reduced tax incentives for buyers who place orders before November 30, 2025. This protection strategy helps mitigate concerns about the policy transition while incentivizing immediate purchase decisions.
The competitive landscape offers alternatives with shorter delivery times from manufacturers like Leapmotor and XPeng, though these may not offer Xiaomi’s specific integration with its broader ecosystem of smartphones and smart home devices. Buyers must weigh the appeal of Xiaomi’s seamless technology integration against practical delivery timeline considerations and emerging safety questions.
Comparison Table:
| EV Startup | October 2025 Deliveries | YoY Growth | Key Models | Market Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leapmotor | 70,289 | Not disclosed | Multiple models | 1st among startups |
| HIMA | 68,216 | Not disclosed | Multiple models | 2nd among startups |
| XPeng | 42,013 | +76% | P7+, MONA M03 | 3rd among startups |
| NIO | 40,397 | Record month | Onvo, Firefly | 4th among startups |
| Xiaomi | 40,000+ | +209% (Sept YoY) | SU7, YU7 | 5th among startups |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many electric vehicles has Xiaomi sold since launching?
Xiaomi has delivered approximately 297,000 vehicles through October 2025, following its March 2024 market debut. CEO Lei Jun stated in mid-October that the company has delivered 400,000 vehicles total since launch when including all variants. The company delivered 136,794 vehicles in 2024 after beginning sales in April of that year.
Which Xiaomi EV models are currently available?
Xiaomi currently offers two main models: the SU7 electric sedan (launched March 28, 2024) and the YU7 SUV (launched June 26, 2025). The SU7 lineup includes standard, Pro, Max, and Ultra variants, with the Ultra being the performance-enhanced version launched in February 2025. Both vehicles compete directly with Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y respectively.
Why are Xiaomi EV delivery times so long?
Delivery times stretch 38-52 weeks due to unprecedented demand overwhelming production capacity. The YU7 SUV alone generated 200,000 pre-orders within three minutes and 240,000 locked-in orders within 18 hours of launch. While Xiaomi is expanding manufacturing with a third plant phase, current facilities designed for 300,000 annual units cannot keep pace with order volume.
Is Xiaomi expanding EV production capacity?
Yes, Xiaomi secured an additional 485,000 square meters of land in Beijing’s Yizhuang district in June 2025 for $88.5 million to build the third phase of its EV manufacturing plant. The expansion will complement existing two-phase facilities designed for 300,000 units annually. Reports indicate the expansion has already reduced delivery wait times by up to two months.
What safety concerns exist with Xiaomi EVs?
A fatal October 2025 accident involving an SU7 Ultra raised concerns when bystanders couldn’t open the burning vehicle’s doors to rescue the trapped driver. The incident sparked debate over electronic door handle design and emergency accessibility. Xiaomi previously recalled over 116,000 SU7 sedans in September 2025 to address driver-assistance software limitations.
How does Xiaomi’s EV pricing compare to competitors?
The Xiaomi SU7 sedan starts at 215,900 yuan (approximately $30,000), while the YU7 SUV ranges from 253,500 to 329,900 yuan ($35,530 to $46,260). These prices directly compete with Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y offerings in China. The competitive pricing, combined with seamless smartphone ecosystem integration, has driven strong demand among Chinese consumers.
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How many EVs did Xiaomi deliver in October 2025?
Xiaomi delivered more than 40,000 electric vehicles in October 2025, marking the second straight month above that level. The company doesn’t publish exact monthly figures, only detailed quarterly numbers with earnings. Year-to-date deliveries are around 297,000 vehicles.
What is Xiaomi’s annual EV sales target for 2025?
Xiaomi is targeting 350,000 units in 2025, a goal set by CEO Lei Jun. With about 297,000 vehicles delivered through October, the company is at 85.7% of that target and needs roughly 53,000 more deliveries across November and December to hit the goal.
How long is the wait time for a Xiaomi EV?
Current wait times range from 38 to 52 weeks depending on the model. The SU7 sedan is quoted at 38–41 weeks for standard trims. The YU7 SUV is even more stretched, with 59–62 week waits on standard models after it pulled in 240,000 orders within 18 hours of launch.
How does Xiaomi rank among Chinese EV startups?
In October 2025, Xiaomi ranks fifth among Chinese EV startup manufacturers. Leapmotor leads with 70,289 deliveries, followed by HIMA (68,216), XPeng (42,013), and NIO (40,397). Even at fifth place, Xiaomi is showing fast momentum for a brand that only started deliveries 18 months ago.
What happened in the Xiaomi SU7 accident?
On October 13, 2025, in Chengdu, a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra ignited after a severe crash. Bystanders couldn’t open the doors, and the driver died at the scene. Following the incident, Xiaomi’s stock fell 6.5% immediately and 11.7% over the week.
How will China’s EV tax policy change in 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, China will apply a 5% purchase tax on EVs, with tax relief capped at 15,000 yuan (about $2,110) per vehicle. This ends the current full exemption. Xiaomi has said it will cover the lost tax break for any order placed before November 30, 2025.
Source: eletric-vehicles
