What happens when a tech company decides to build electric cars? In Xiaomi's case, you get a phenomenal success story that's reshaping the automotive landscape in China and offering hope for more affordable electric mobility worldwide.

The numbers tell an inspiring tale. Since launching its first electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, in March 2024, Xiaomi has delivered an impressive 360,000 units to eager customers in just 21 months. That's an average of more than 17,000 happy new EV owners every single month – a testament to the company's ability to create products people genuinely want.

CEO Lei Jun shared the exciting news on social media, noting that the SU7 has become China's best-selling electric sedan in the premium category above 200,000 yuan. The company's electric vehicle division delivered over 410,000 vehicles total last year when including their newer YU7 SUV model, marking a significant milestone for the relatively new automotive manufacturer.

Now, Xiaomi is taking customer feedback to heart with a thoughtfully upgraded version of the SU7. Opening for pre-orders this Wednesday, the enhanced model demonstrates the company's commitment to continuous improvement and, most importantly, driver safety.

The updated SU7 now comes standard with LiDAR technology across all three trim levels – Standard, Pro, and Max. This advanced sensing system represents Xiaomi's dedication to making safety "the basis and premise" of their vehicles, as Lei emphasized. It's a proactive response that shows a company willing to listen and invest in protecting its customers.

Beyond safety enhancements, the new SU7 offers impressive performance upgrades. The updated model boasts a remarkable CLTC range of up to 902 kilometers (560 miles) on certain trims – an improvement over the current model's already-impressive 830-kilometer range. This extended capability means drivers can travel farther with confidence and fewer charging stops.

Perhaps most encouraging for consumers is Xiaomi's commitment to keeping electric vehicles affordable. The upgraded SU7 starts at just 229,900 yuan (approximately $33,000), maintaining a competitive price point that undercuts the Tesla Model 3 in the Chinese market while offering comparable or superior features. This pricing strategy demonstrates that advanced electric vehicles don't need to be luxury-priced items accessible only to the wealthy.

The company's ambitious growth plans reflect confidence in both their product and the expanding EV market. Xiaomi aims to sell approximately 550,000 electric vehicles in 2026, representing substantial growth that will create jobs and accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation.

The updated SU7 is scheduled to launch in April, giving prospective buyers something wonderful to look forward to this spring. For those watching the global shift toward electric mobility, Xiaomi's journey from tech company to successful automaker offers an encouraging blueprint: combine innovation, listen to customers, prioritize safety, and keep products accessible.

As more companies follow this path, the future of sustainable transportation looks brighter – and more affordable – than ever.