Xiaomi’s electric vehicle (EV) ambitions are taking off quickly. In October 2025, the company sold a remarkable 48,654 new-energy passenger vehicles in China – a figure that puts it among the country’s leading EV manufacturers and surpasses many established brands. Leading the charge was Xiaomi’s YU7 model, which outsold even Tesla’s popular Model Y domestically last month.
According to data released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Xiaomi shipped 33,662 units of the YU7 in October alone. Independent market trackers like ECC Intelligence Bureau further bolster this achievement by estimating that Tesla delivered roughly 26,100 vehicles to the Chinese market during the same period. This means the YU7 outperformed its established rival in a single month after only being available since July.
Xiaomi’s impressive performance is even more notable considering it officially entered the EV market relatively recently compared to giants like BYD and Tesla. While BYD dominated October with 436,856 new-energy vehicle wholesales, and Tesla shipped 61,497 vehicles from China (including both domestic and export deliveries), Xiaomi’s rapid climb suggests a serious shakeup in the competitive landscape.
The success of the YU7 can be attributed to several factors. First, Xiaomi leverages its expertise in consumer electronics and software to offer integrated and user-friendly systems within its EVs, which resonate strongly with younger generations driving EV adoption in China. Second, by focusing on a specific niche – pure electric mid-size SUVs – the company has carved out a strong presence in a fast-growing segment of the market.
The company’s cumulative deliveries since July indicate that the YU7 has already surpassed 70,000 units sold, a significant milestone for a newcomer. This performance positions Xiaomi as a major player in China’s rapidly evolving EV sector and signals its intent to challenge established industry giants.
It remains to be seen how sustainable this momentum will be over the long term, but the YU7’s impressive early success suggests Xiaomi has found a winning formula in one of the world’s most dynamic car markets.
