Li Auto's upcoming Li i8 electric SUV will make its debut in July, as announced through the release of its initial teaser video.
In a significant move, Li Auto, one of China's major extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) players, has announced plans to launch its second Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the Li i8, in late July 2025 [1][4]. This shift towards BEVs marks a strategic move to tap into the premium BEV market, offering advanced autonomous driving features through its proprietary VLA Driver system.
In a bid to support this BEV transition and alleviate range anxiety for customers, Li Auto is aggressively expanding its charging infrastructure. As of June 2025, the company had deployed 2,851 supercharging stations, equipped with 15,655 charging stalls [2][4]. The company aims to nearly double this number, reaching 4,000 stations by the end of 2025, covering approximately 50,000 km of highways. Notably, Li Auto added roughly 2,500 stalls in June 2025 alone.
This rapid expansion of a proprietary and dense charging network is a key competitive advantage, reducing reliance on third-party infrastructure and fostering brand loyalty amidst fierce competition in the Chinese premium NEV segment [2].
The Li i8's launch was initially planned for the second half of 2024, but has been delayed until the first half of 2025. This strategic decision reflects Li Auto's commitment to ensuring a flawless BEV launch and building long-term leadership in China’s premium electric vehicle market [1][2][4].
In addition to the Li i8 launch, Li Auto also plans to update its existing models in May, bringing smart driving hardware upgrades. The company is currently selling mainly L-series EREVs, but with the Li i8 and future BEV models, it aims to solidify its position in the Chinese BEV market.
Li Auto will report its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 before the US markets open on Friday, March 14. The company delivered 56,190 vehicles in January-February 2024, a 9.29% increase from the same period last year, but the delay in BEV launches has resulted in a 12.24% decrease in February deliveries compared to January [3].
| Item | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Li Auto BEV Launch | Li i8, launching late July 2025 | | BEV Model Features | Advanced VLA Driver autonomous system | | Supercharging Network | 2,851 stations (15,655 stalls) as of June 2025; target 4,000 stations by end of 2025 | | Coverage Goal | Approx. 50,000 km of highways | | Network Expansion Pace | Added ~2,500 stalls in June 2025 |
[1] Li Auto to Launch Li i8 in Late July 2025, Focusing on Premium BEV Market and Advanced Autonomous Driving (
[2] Li Auto Expands Supercharger Network to 2,851 Stations, Aims for 4,000 Stations by End of 2025 (
[3] Li Auto Reports February 2025 Deliveries of 26,263 Vehicles (
[4] Li Auto Q4 and Full Year 2024 Financial Results to be Released on March 14, 2025 (
- Li Auto, a significant player in China's electric vehicle market, has plans to debut its second Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the Li i8, in late July 2025, aiming at the premium BEV market.
- The Li i8 features Li Auto's proprietary VLA Driver system, offering advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
- To support the BEV transition and relieve range anxiety, Li Auto is rapidly expanding its charging infrastructure, targeting 4,000 supercharging stations by the end of 2025.
- This expansion, covering approximately 50,000 km of highways, is expected to be key to Li Auto's competitive advantage and brand loyalty in the Chinese electric-vehicles market.
- Beyond the Li i8 launch, Li Auto also plans to upgrade its existing models in May and has aspirations for solidifying its presence in the Chinese BEV market with future models.
- Li Auto is set to report its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, with deliveries of 56,190 vehicles in January-February 2024, a slight increase from the same period last year, despite a 12.24% decrease in February deliveries compared to January due to delays in BEV launches.
