How ‘Apple Copycat’ Xiaomi Made One Of China’s Buzziest EVs

Xiaomi rapidly became one of the world’s biggest phone makers after its launch in 2011. Its EV, launched in 2024, has also sold fast and outperformed cars made by auto veterans including Porsche and Tesla. And American automakers like Rivian and Ford are taking notes. Xiaomi’s new crossover could be a serious threat to competitors–especially Tesla’s Model Y. But it faces fallout from a recent crash – and China’s EV market is unforgiving.

Chapters:
0:00 – 01:36 Introduction
01:43 Chapter 1: Xiaomi’s rise
03:51 Chapter 2: A tech company
06:17 Chapter 3: Building a car brand
08:24 Chapter 4: A Chinese Tesla killer
09:12 Chapter 5: Challenges

Producer: Robert Ferris
Editor: Darren Geeter
Animation: Jason Reginato
Senior Managing Producer: Tala hadavi
Additional footage: Getty Images, Xiaomi, Volvo, Polestar

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How ‘Apple Copycat’ Xiaomi Made One Of China’s Buzziest EVs

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