Catalog / Lixiang
Lixiang, also known as Li Auto, is a rising star in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market. Founded in 2015 by Li Xiang, the company has quickly established itself as an innovative force in the automotive industry, particularly in the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) segment.
Li Auto's journey began with a vision to create smart, energy-efficient vehicles that address the challenges of range anxiety and charging infrastructure limitations. The company's first model, the Li ONE, was launched in November 2019, marking a significant milestone in its history. This premium SUV combines an electric motor with a small gasoline engine that serves as a range extender, offering a unique solution to the limitations of pure electric vehicles.
In July 2020, Li Auto achieved another major milestone by going public on the Nasdaq, raising $1.1 billion in its initial public offering. This move provided the company with the capital needed to accelerate its growth and innovation efforts.
One of the most interesting facts about Li Auto is its focus on 'smart' vehicles. The company's cars are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and artificial intelligence technologies, positioning them at the forefront of the autonomous driving revolution. The Li ONE, for instance, features a sophisticated voice control system and a large central touchscreen that controls most of the vehicle's functions.
Li Auto has also made significant strides in battery technology. Unlike many EV manufacturers that rely solely on lithium-ion batteries, Li Auto's EREV system allows for a smaller battery pack, reducing costs and weight while still providing impressive electric range.
In 2021, the company announced plans to launch a new premium EV every year starting from 2022, aiming to expand its product lineup and capture a larger share of the luxury EV market. The Li L9, a full-size SUV, was introduced in June 2022, showcasing the company's commitment to this goal.
Li Auto's innovative approach extends to its sales model as well. The company operates on a direct sales model, similar to Tesla, with showrooms in major Chinese cities where customers can experience the vehicles firsthand. This strategy allows Li Auto to maintain closer relationships with its customers and gather valuable feedback for continual improvement.
As of 2023, Li Auto has been rapidly expanding its production capacity and sales network. The company's manufacturing facility in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, has been augmented by a new plant in Beijing, significantly boosting its ability to meet growing demand.
Looking ahead, Li Auto is positioning itself as a key player in the global EV market. While currently focused primarily on the Chinese market, the company has expressed intentions to expand internationally in the coming years, potentially bringing its unique EREV technology to a global audience.
The cost of Lixiang (Li Auto) vehicles varies depending on the model and configuration. As of 2023, Li Auto offers two main models: the Li ONE and the Li L9.
The Li ONE, which is the company's first and more affordable model, typically starts at around €40,000 (approximately 300,000 yuan) for the base version. This price can increase to about €50,000 (380,000 yuan) for higher trim levels with additional features.
The Li L9, being a larger and more premium offering, comes with a higher price tag. It starts at approximately €68,000 (520,000 yuan) for the base model and can go up to about €75,000 (570,000 yuan) for the fully loaded version.
It's important to note that these prices can fluctuate based on various factors such as government incentives for electric vehicles, which can significantly reduce the final cost to the consumer. Additionally, as Li Auto expands its lineup, we can expect to see a wider range of prices to cater to different market segments.
The most affordable Lixiang (Li Auto) model currently available is the Li ONE, with a starting price of approximately €40,000 (300,000 yuan) for the base version. However, the final price can vary depending on several factors:
It's worth noting that government incentives for electric vehicles can significantly reduce the effective price paid by the consumer, making the Li ONE even more affordable in certain regions.
As of 2023, the most expensive Lixiang (Li Auto) model is the Li L9, a premium full-size SUV. In its top-tier configuration, the Li L9 can cost up to approximately €75,000 (570,000 yuan). The price of this high-end model can vary based on several factors:
It's important to note that as Li Auto continues to expand its lineup and move into more premium segments, we may see even higher-priced models introduced in the future, potentially pushing the upper limit of their price range even higher.
