China’s EV wars: Li Auto becomes Tesla’s nearest rival in premium segment as it delivers record 25,000 cars in April

The milestone takes Li Auto ahead of its main domestic rivals, Xpeng and Nio, in their race to compete with the US giant on their home turf

According to Li Auto, the strong deliveries are largely thanks to the popularity of its new L7, a five-seat flagship SUV

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A Li L7 electric SUV on display at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 18, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:33pm, 1 May 2023Updated: 9:11pm, 1 May 2023

Chinese carmaker Li Auto has set a new record, becoming the first home-grown premium electric vehicle (EV) brand to deliver more than 25,000 units in a single month.

The milestone achievement takes Li Auto a step ahead of its main domestic rivals, Xpeng and Nio, in their race to compete with US giant Tesla on their home turf.

Beijing-headquartered Li Auto said on Monday that it delivered 25,681 units in April, its highest ever number and more than a five-fold increase from a year ago.

The carmaker has stayed on the sidelines of a recent price war that has seen Tesla and some domestic rivals slash their prices.

April was the second consecutive month in which Li Auto exceeded 20,000 deliveries, having handed over the keys to 20,823 cars in March. It also briefly hit the 20,000 unit mark in December.

Xpeng, an electric-car maker headquartered in Guangzhou, delivered 7,079 smart cars in April, about the same as in the previous month.