Xiaomi establishes new team to explore next-gen tech smart EVs

Xiaomi’s electric vehicle unit has established the Architecture Department responsible for deliberating and defining the next-generation technology architecture for smart electric vehicles. The new department reports directly to Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun 

On October 28 Xiaomi Auto announced an organizational restructuring. This round of adjustments established a brand new first-tier department: the Architecture Department, responsible for deliberating and defining the next-generation technology architecture for smart electric vehicles. The new department reports directly to Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun, and its members include heads of some R&D departments and core technical staff. 

Informed sources revealed that Cui Qiang, the head of vehicle R&D, has joined the Architecture Department. The former head of e-Power, Wang Zhensuo, has replaced Cui Qiang in leading vehicle R&D. The outcomes of the new department will shape the technological direction of Xiaomi's next-generation products, serving as a critical response to future competition and influencing its long-term market positioning. 

Within traditional automakers, such functions are typically handled by secondary departments or project teams reporting to the CTO or R&D director. Xiaomi's elevation of this function to a first-tier department under Lei's direct oversight demonstrates the company's commitment to forward-looking initiatives and emphasis on technological positioning. 

Xiaomi EV was established in 2021 and officially launched its first model, the SU7 electric sedan, on March 28, 2024, to competes with Tesla's Model 3. On February 27 this year, Xiaomi launched the SU7 Ultra, a performance-enhanced electric sedan built upon the standard SU7. On June 26, Xiaomi launched the YU7, its first electric SUV and a competitor to the Tesla Model Y. According to the plan, by 2026, Xiaomi Auto also plans to launch a range-extended electric SUV codenamed N3. The introduction of this model will help Xiaomi Auto enter the range-extended SUV market currently occupied by brands like Li Auto and AITO. 

In Lei's view, competition in the automotive industry will be "winner-takes-all," differing from perspectives held by some executives at other Chinese EV companies. "Smart EVs may be the same as the consumer electronics and software industries, which are winner-take-all," he said during a January 2024 interview with state broadcaster CCTV. Xiaomi had faced fierce competition since its inception, Lei said at the time, adding, "Even though we are entering the extremely competitive automotive space, I still believe Xiaomi can win in the end."