Xiaomi's Third EV, Codenamed YU9, Spotted in High-Altitude Tests
Photos of a camouflaged SUV prototype, identified as Xiaomi’s third electric vehicle and codenamed YU9, have emerged online showing the car undergoing rigorous high-altitude testing. According to reports from IThome, the tests are taking place in Taxian County, Xinjiang, near the Kunlun Mountains. The vehicle is being subjected to endurance and performance evaluations under complex environmental conditions, including extreme cold, heat, and high elevation. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun confirmed his presence at the testing site, sharing photos and noting that he joined other senior executives for the plateau trials. Industry rumors suggest the YU9 will feature an extended-range hybrid powertrain, combining an electric motor with a small combustion engine and an 80 kWh battery, offering an EV-only range exceeding 400 kilometers. Analysts at Deutsche Bank predict that Xiaomi aims to launch a large hybrid SUV around 2026, indicating that the YU9 is likely the model in question. This development marks a significant step in Xiaomi's expansion into the automotive sector, following its previous launches, as it seeks to diversify its product lineup with advanced hybrid technology.
Wire timeline
Xiaomi's Third EV, Codenamed YU9, Spotted in High-Altitude Tests
Photos of a camouflaged SUV prototype, identified as Xiaomi’s third electric vehicle and codenamed YU9, have emerged online showing the car undergoing rigorous high-altitude testing. According to reports from IThome, the tests are taking place in Taxian County, Xinjiang, near the Kunlun Mountains. The vehicle is being subjected to endurance and performance evaluations under complex environmental conditions, including extreme cold, heat, and high elevation. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun confirmed his presence at the testing site, sharing photos and noting that he joined other senior executives for the plateau trials. Industry rumors suggest the YU9 will feature an extended-range hybrid powertrain, combining an electric motor with a small combustion engine and an 80 kWh battery, offering an EV-only range exceeding 400 kilometers. Analysts at Deutsche Bank predict that Xiaomi aims to launch a large hybrid SUV around 2026, indicating that the YU9 is likely the model in question. This development marks a significant step in Xiaomi's expansion into the automotive sector, following its previous launches, as it seeks to diversify its product lineup with advanced hybrid technology.
TechNode