Li

Create a Mobile Home, Create Happiness

Create a Mobile Home, Create Happiness🇨🇳 Beijing, ChinaEV-native

Founded

2015

Beijing

Making EVs since

2019

EVs on EVRadar

Service network

Limited

The story

Li Auto (Li Xiang) is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Li Xiang. Initially focused on extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) to eliminate range anxiety, the company gained rapid success with the Li ONE, a large 6‑seat EREV SUV. It then expanded its L‑series (L9, L8, L7, L6) EREVs, becoming one of China’s best‑selling premium NEV brands. In 2024, Li Auto entered the pure battery electric market with the Li Mega MPV and announced a new i‑series of all‑electric SUVs (i6, i8) built on an 800 V platform. All models emphasize family‑oriented space, advanced smart cockpit technology, and comprehensive driver‑assistance systems.

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Worth knowing

Li Auto was the first Chinese startup to focus solely on EREVs before expanding to battery‑electric vehicles.

The Li ONE held the title of China’s best‑selling EREV for multiple consecutive years.

Select Li models feature a 15.7‑inch passenger entertainment screen and a built‑in refrigerator.

The Li Mega MPV boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.215 Cd, class‑leading for an MPV.

The road here

EV milestones

2015: Li Auto founded in Beijing by Li Xiang.

2019: Li ONE EREV SUV launched, becoming China’s top‑selling EREV.

2022: L9 flagship 6‑seat EREV SUV unveiled.

2023: L8 and L7 EREV models launched; Li Mega BEV MPV revealed.

2024: Li Mega deliveries begin; i‑series pure electric SUVs (i6, i8) announced.

2025: i6 and i8 start deliveries in China.

Brand DNA

EREV pioneerFamily‑orientedPremium SUVRange ExtenderCATL Qilin battery800V platform

The honest read

Strengths

+EREV powertrains offer electric driving without range anxiety.
+Spacious, luxurious interiors with cutting‑edge infotainment.
+Strong safety credentials and advanced driver assistance.
+800 V ultra‑fast charging on new BEV models.
+Proven success and high customer satisfaction in China.

Watch-outs

–No official European sales; cars available only through unofficial imports.
–Service and maintenance infrastructure nonexistent outside China.
–Pure electric models are new and long‑term reliability is untested.
–Infotainment heavily reliant on Chinese services, with no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Battery & platform DNA

Li Auto sources batteries from CATL, using NMC chemistry for EREV models and LFP for some base variants. The new i‑series electric SUVs feature CATL’s Qilin battery with cell‑to‑pack technology, an 800 V high‑voltage platform, and ultra‑fast charging capabilities (10‑80 % in approximately 12 minutes). Intelligent thermal management, battery pre‑conditioning, and robust safety monitoring are standard, ensuring consistent performance and long‑term durability.

EVRadar verdict

Li Auto builds compelling family vehicles that combine the flexibility of a range extender or the latest pure‑electric technology with generous space and advanced tech. However, without an official European presence, support and software integration are major obstacles. The i6 and i8 promise impressive range and charging speeds, but buyers outside China must accept the risks of grey‑market ownership.

Company