Li Xiang: BEVs and Extended-Range EVs Serve Different Needs—No Room for Energy Snobbery

Li Xiang, founder, chairman, and CEO of Li Auto, recently stated on social media that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) each cater to different user needs and should not disparage one another or create an "energy hierarchy." He noted that although some recent commentary suggests declining market share for extended-range models and questions the viability of this technological path, more than 40% of consumers still opt for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In the premium five-seat SUV segment, ICE models like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE remain appealing. Li emphasized that as a new energy vehicle manufacturer, Li Auto should focus on unmet user demands, reflect on its own shortcomings, and work collectively to advance the broader new energy vehicle market. Additionally, the all-new Li L8 will launch on June 23. Li is currently testing the vehicle’s all-electric range performance under urban expressway and highway driving conditions, though the test results have not yet been released.