Xiaomi’s founder and CEO Lei Jun has clarified that the company’s Pengcheng series of cars started development three and a half years ago, with road testing beginning two years back. The new series is set to officially launch in September.
Long Development and Extensive Testing
The Pengcheng series project was initiated more than three years ago, according to Lei Jun. The first prototype test vehicle hit the roads on October 12, 2024. Since then, Xiaomi has logged 626 days of road testing, covering two winters and two summers.
By the end of June, Xiaomi deployed 566 test vehicles, accumulating a total of 4.28 million kilometres in real-world testing conditions. This extensive testing phase demonstrates the company’s commitment to refining the cars before the public launch.
New Models Previewed Recently
At a technology launch event on July 30, Xiaomi introduced two new Pengcheng models: the large seven-seat flagship extended-range SUV, N90 Max, and a large five-seat four-wheel-drive extended-range SUV, N70 Max. Both models went on sale for preorder shortly after the reveal.
The upcoming SUV lineup focuses on extended-range technology, showing Xiaomi’s approach to electrification is based on combining electric and traditional powertrains for longer driving range and flexibility.
Official Launch Coming Soon
Xiaomi plans to officially launch the Pengcheng series in September 2024. Given the length of testing and the recent public preview, the company appears ready to enter the automotive market with these new SUVs.
Source: ithome.com