Li Xiang: Stronger Body Materials Aren't Always Safer—Li Auto's Self-Developed High-Strength Steel Balances Strength and Toughness

Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, recently stated in a video that higher body material strength does not necessarily mean greater safety. He explained that high-strength materials often have lower toughness and are prone to brittle fracture in severe collisions. Additionally, high-strength steel carries a risk of "hydrogen embrittlement"—trace amounts of hydrogen absorbed during manufacturing can cause components to crack without warning. To address this, Li Auto emphasizes balancing strength and toughness in its material development. The company’s self-developed 2000MPa hot-stamped steel, named 2000IH, features a micro-alloying design that enhances toughness, outperforming similar products on the market. Li Auto has also developed the 6000HS aluminum alloy extrusion and LeS6Ultra aluminum sheet, both treated with T6 heat treatment to significantly improve impact resistance of the battery underbody shield, ensuring superior safety performance.