BEIJING — Xiaomi's foray into the electric car industry has successfully surpassed Tesla in China, at least during the month of January. The Xiaomi YU7 SUV claimed the top position in sales within the country, moving 37,869 units. This figure is more than twice the 16,845 Model Y vehicles Tesla sold in the same period, according to the China Passenger Car Association.
Previously the leading model in December, the Model Y experienced a dramatic decline to 20th place in January. It also slipped from first to seventh place among new energy vehicles during this time.
The sales figures, which encompass both electric and gasoline-powered cars, were released late Thursday by the online car sales platform Autohome.
Xiaomi launched the YU7, marking its second model in the electric vehicle lineup, approximately half a year ago in the summer of 2025. Known predominantly for its smartphones, Xiaomi has openly targeted Tesla in its ambitions. The YU7 debuted at a price point that was 10,000 yuan ($1,450) lower than Tesla’s Model Y in China. Xiaomi asserts that this model surpasses Tesla on crucial features like the driving range per battery charge.