NEWS  Electric Vehicles  November 10, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, has unveiled its latest innovation in the automotive industry, the Luxeed S7, positioning itself to compete head-on with Tesla's renowned Model S. Departing from its previous focus on SUVs, Huawei has entered the sedan market, marking a strategic move to challenge Elon Musk's electric empire.

The Luxeed S7, developed in collaboration with Chinese automaker Chery, boasts a starting price of 258,000 yuan ($35,400) during the pre-sales period, making it a compelling choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts. Richard Yu, Huawei's consumer chief, introduced the sleek sedan in Shenzhen, emphasizing its powerful high-voltage battery pack. Yu boldly declared that the S7 would outshine Tesla's Model S in every specification.

One standout feature is its 800-volt platform, enabling rapid charging. Experts notes that Tesla has yet to adopt an 800-volt platform, giving the S7 a notable edge in charging efficiency.

Huawei's partnership with Chinese EV battery giant CATL has resulted in the S7's 800-volt battery pack, touted as the thinnest in the industry by Yu. According to Huawei, a 15-minute charge provides an impressive driving range of 400 kilometers (249 miles), surpassing Tesla's Model S by 53 kilometers (33 miles) in a similar charging period.

Despite the potential advantage of Tesla's Supercharger network in China, experts acknowledges the significance of the S7's competitive pricing. Priced at $35,400, the Luxeed S7 significantly undercuts Tesla's basic Model S, which is listed at 698,900 yuan or $95,800 in China. Tesla's recent price reductions in response to mounting competition in China indicate the impact of new entrants like Huawei in the world's largest auto market.

Huawei's foray into electric vehicles represents a strategic move from its tech and telecom origins, driven in part by US export restrictions that prompted the company to diversify. The Luxeed S7 joins Huawei's electric vehicle lineup, which includes the Aito M9, an electric SUV developed in collaboration with Chinese automaker Seres.

As the Luxeed S7 enters regular sales on November 28, the electric vehicle landscape is set for a compelling competition between two tech giants—Huawei and Tesla. The rivalry promises innovation, affordability, and efficiency as both companies vie for supremacy in the rapidly evolving world of electric mobility.

(Images Huawei/Chery)