The Tesla Model 3, once the most popular EV in the critical Chinese EV market, has been quickly surpassed by the Xiaomi SU7, and now they are going after Tesla’s Model Y.
Is the mystical prophecy of the “Tesla killer” finally coming true?
As impressive as Tesla’s entry into the Chinese market was, Xiaomi’s own EV venture in China has been even more remarkable.
Tesla was the first foreign automaker to secure a wholly-owned car factory in China. It built it and started production at the plant in record time, an incredible moment for the EV industry in China and globally.
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Within the first 6 months of Model 3 production at Gigafactory Shanghai in 2020, Tesla built around 50,000 vehicles, which was unprecedented.
Xiaomi, better known for its electronics, produced 70,000 SU7 EVs in the first six months of production last year.
In its first full year of production, Xiaomi came out of nowhere and outsold Tesla’s Model 3 in the critical Chinese market.
In January, Tesla sold about 8,000 Model 3s in China, while Xiaomi delivered more than 22,000 SU7 EVs. This trend is expected to continue.
It’s not too surprising to see why. The base Xiaomi SU7 starts at 20,000 Yuan cheaper (~$2,500 USD) than the Model 3 and offers a bigger battery pack with 10% more range, as well as many tech features that Tesla doesn’t provide, like a heads-up display.
It even has a rear mini fridge, and since we are comparing it to Tesla, it also has a turn signal stalk.
The most unambiguous indication that the SU7 has taken over the Model 3 is the wait times.
Despite SU7 production already being higher than Model 3, you can get a Model 3 within “1-3 weeks” of ordering, while you have to wait “31-34 weeks” for a new SU7, according to Xiaomi’s online configurator:
If anything, the long wait times on the SU7 are helping Tesla as some can’t wait that long for a new car. However, Xiaomi is still ramping up production.
Speaking of production, Xiaomi took clear inspiration from Tesla. The SU7 is using large casting parts, which Tesla calls “gigacasting” and Xiaomi calls “hypercasting.”
The Chinese company is also using a similar design as what Tesla calls “structural battery pack”, where the pack is a structural part of the vehicle’s chassis.
Interestingly, Tesla uses these features on the Model Y but hasn’t transferred them to the Model 3 yet. Xiaomi uses them on the SU7, its Model 3 competitor – giving it an advantage, and it will do the same on its upcoming Model Y competitor.
That’s where Tesla needs to worry.
Model Y is by far Tesla’s best-selling car, and China is the world’s biggest EV market by a wide margin. What the SU7 did to Model 3, Xiaomi’s upcoming YU7 is likely to do to Model Y.
Xiaomi is going to start production of the YU7 this summer and it is expected to ramp up production just as quickly as it did with the SU7.
It compares similarly to Model Y as SU7 compares to Model 3.
As I was writing and researching this article, by the way big hat tip to Troy Teslike for helping a ton with research for this, I was reminded of the legend of the “Tesla killer.”
It’s a term that the media loved to use every time a legacy automaker launched a new EV in the early days of Tesla. We laughed at them for even suggesting it, as they would apply it to vehicles that didn’t match Tesla’s performance, production volumes, or profitability.
Sure enough, none of them came even close to negatively affecting Tesla, let alone “killing” the company.
But Xiaomi is coming as close as I’ve ever seen in my 15 years of covering Tesla (coming on 10 years full-time professionally).
Let’s be clear: Xiaomi owes Tesla quite a bit for its EV success. The automaker pioneered gigacasting and structural battery packs, and Xiaomi followed suit to great success. I am sure these are not the only Tesla features that inspired Xiaomi.
With that said, this is the reality now, and Tesla is getting left behind.
Tesla benefited from being a foreign brand in China. Buyers saw it as a luxury brand, but the company is now a victim of its own success. The cars became so popular that the brand deteriorated, and it is not seen as premium or exclusive anymore.
At the same time, Chinese manufacturers became much better at making EVs, and now, several of them have achieved a better reputation from buyers in China than Tesla.
Furthermore, with the new Model Y, Tesla went with design accents that are already popular in China. As we previously reported, the new Model Y looks very similar to Xpeng’s vehicles. This is making Tesla “like any other brand in China.”
In my opinion, Chinese competition, especially Xiaomi, will hurt Tesla badly in China this year.
The automaker is planning to roll out cheaper models in the second half of the year. This should help, but the entry EV market is already quite crowded in China, and Tesla is likely to cannibalize itself more than anything.
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Jeep’s new Compass EV is finally here, and it’s even better than we expected. The electric SUV delivers with a sleek new design and over 400 miles of driving range. Here’s our first look at the all-new Jeep Compass EV.
Meet the new Jeep Compass, now available as an EV
We knew it was coming soon after a few images leaked last week, revealing the new electric SUV. After retiring the Renegade and Cherokee, the Compass became Jeep’s most affordable SUV. Now, it’s finally available as an EV.
Jeep unveiled the new Compass during an exclusive press conference on Tuesday, claiming the revamped SUV is set to “redefine expectations” in the most competitive passenger car segment.
Although it’s still clearly a Jeep with the brand’s signature rugged design, the SUV gains a few upgrades to help it stand out in an increasingly crowded segment.
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The iconic seven-slot grille gains a new Active Grille Shutter that’s directly integrated into the front bumper, helping to improve aerodynamics. Jeep also added air ducts on the front and rear wheels, a flat underbody design, and sharp rear edges for a 10% CX improvement.
Other new design elements include an anti-scratch modular Jeep shield and reinforced bumpers for added protection during on- or off-road adventures (you know those city streets can get tight sometimes).
Inside, the upgraded SUV features a new infotainment system with a 10″ cluster and a 16″ radio. With OTA update capabilities, it will continue gaining new features.
Jeep’s new Compass includes Level 2 autonomous driving as standard. Other features, like a head-up display, semi-automatic lane change, and Matrix LED headlights, are offered in higher trims or as upgrades.
Electric or hybrid
The new Jeep Compass is available in a 145 HP 48V hybrid and a 195 HP plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Jeep offers three all-electric variants, ranging from front-wheel drive (FWD) with 213 HP to all-wheel drive (AWD) with up to 375 HP.
Jeep’s new Compass EV is based on the STLA Medium platform. The more powerful, AWD variant gains a new rear electric motor with an extra 49 kW of peak power and up to 232 Nm of torque.
Combined with a 14:1 rear reducer, Jeep claims the electric SUV can climb a 20% slope, “even with zero traction on the front wheels.”
The SUV features fast charging (20% to 80%) in about 30 minutes with up to 160 kW DC charging speeds. With a WLTP driving range of up to 404 miles (650 km), the Compass EV is “highly competitive” without compromising space.
Jeep’s new Compass First Edition model is currently available to order in two powertrains: a 48V e-Hybrid or the EV version with 213 hp.
The First Edition EV model is available in FWD with a driving range of up to 311 miles (500 km). Other exclusive features include 20″ wheels, LED matrix headlights, and Jeep’s signature Selec Terrain system.
Jeep also offers Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera for First Edition buyers. A streamlined package offer can add premium features like ventilated and massaging seats, an open-air sunroof, and semi-automated lane change assistance.
Deliveries of the new Compass are set to begin in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2025. Those in the US will have to wait a little longer for specs and prices, but the new Compass is expected to debut soon. Check back for more info, including prices and additional specs.
To give you an idea, the 2025 Jeep Compass starts at just under $27,000 in the US. In Europe, the Compass 4xe PHEV starts at €42,995 ($48,500).
How do you feel about the new Jeep Compass? Would you buy the EV version in the US for around $30,000 to $35,000? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Tesla (TSLA) has seen its electric vehicle sales crash in the UK after being the only positive market in a disastrous first quarter in Europe.
Over the last few months, we have extensively reported on Tesla’s cratering sales in Europe during the first quarter of 2025. Tesla’s deliveries have crashed in every single European market except for one.
As we reported, Tesla had been heavily discounting leases of the new Model Y in the UK compared to other European markets.
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In addition, EVs were exempt from the “luxury car tax” for vehicles worth £40,000 or more, but the exemption ran out on April 1st, 2025, which pushed people to buy more EVs in Q1 2025.
Now that this is gone, Tesla’s sales are also crashing in the UK.
The market released its April registration numbers and confirmed that Tesla delivered only 512 electric vehicles in the UK last month.
That’s down 62% compared to the same period last year and 65% compared to the first month of Q1.
This is happening amid the availability of the new Model Y, and Tesla is still holding dozens of heavily discounted old Model Ys in new inventory in the UK.
Tesla’s reputation has significantly degraded in the last few months, primarily due to its CEO, Elon Musk’s political involvement.
Musk is seen by many as having financed the rise of fascism and authoritarianism in the US through his political and financial backing of Donald Trump, who has been defying court orders, deporting people without due process, and engaging in activities that use his political office to enrich himself and his cronies.
Electrek’s Take
Oh oh. Now, even the UK is down. And not just down, but down 62% year-over-year. That’s not looking good.
Tesla is rapidly going from being the market leader in Europe to becoming a niche automaker.
There are still some delusional fans who are holding on to the idea that this is not happening:
Yes, the first month of each quarter is lower than the rest due to lower inventory, but Tesla increased its inventory last quarter, and we are also comparing it to the same month last year, which was also low.
First, Tesla shareholders were claiming that the drop in Q1 was purely due to the Model Y changeover.
Now, Tesla says production is back to normal, but now people like Voigt claim the “low cost model” will bring things back to normal.
How? Tesla’s sales are down 50% in Europe. Do you think bringing a stripped-down Model Y is going to bring things back to normal? At best, it will bring Tesla down “only” ~30% in Europe, and that’s compared to 2024, which was another year of decline for Tesla.
I don’t know why these people insist on acting like Tesla’s once-incredible brand and force to accelerate the EV transition is not in crisis.
The first step is recognizing there’s a problem and they are not even there yet.
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Rivian has completed an extensive remodel of its space in the Meatpacking District of NYC, which has been reimagined as the American Automaker’s first “concept experience.” These spaces will rotate themes and locations to give visitors and Rivian owners unique spaces to hang out and explore the adventure EV brand.
As the American automaker continues to expand its lineup of all-electric models, it has also been working on creating a showroom presence around the US to offer consumers a place to see its models up close and design one themselves with the help of a Rivian employee.
These Rivian Spaces also provide a place for owners to hang out, get service, and talk to others about the brand. Rivian’s service and demo footprint currently consists of over 60 locations in the US and two in Canada.
Several of those locations are dedicated Rivian Spaces, such as the showroom on 461 W 14th Street in the Meatpacking District of NYC. While that NYC space only opened two years ago, Rivian recently completed an extensive remodel into what it describes as its first “concept experience.” Per Rivian:
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To give both our longtime followers and those new to our brand a chance to connect with a distinct facet of who we are, we’re introducing yearly, rotating concepts that will come to life through immersive design, content, events, and programming.
Source: Rivian
Rivian opens its first conceptual Space in NYC
Per Rivian, the remodeled Space beneath the High Line in NYC is called “Adventure is in Us.” The walls and decor tell stories of people who embody that spirit daily, including genuine Rivian owners. Rivian said its initial concept is about celebrating a “broader, more inclusive view of adventure and inspiring visitors to embrace it too.”
The experience doesn’t end on Rivian’s concept Space walls either. The automaker has developed a multi-sensory customer experience that includes sight, sound, scent, and taste. The Space features natural woods and other textures you can touch, natural soundscapes as you wander, plush greenery for sights and scent, and even drinks you can sample, including coffee from local vendors like Don Carvajal and tea from Harney & Sons. Rivian shared more details:
Visitors can tap digital displays to hear owner stories through a headset and learn about charging through an interactive touch wall. Placing a special emphasis on discovery, especially for kids, we intentionally designed interactive moments at lower heights with tactile elements that invite younger visitors to explore and engage—including a vehicle color experience where kids can choose their favorite Rivian color. A sound experience gives kids the opportunity to guess the audio sounds from around NYC.
When redesigning its NYC Space, Rivian said it tried to make the showroom below the High Line an open, green, and inviting extension of the park around it. In addition to being the first conceptual, immersive Space, Rivian’s Meatpacking District location will also offer exclusive “adventure drives,” in which customers can sign up for small group demo drives to locations adjacent to NYC, such as the Met Cloisters and the Storm King Art Center.
Other features of the “Adventure is in Us” Space include a communal theater and space for community gatherings and panel discussions. If you’re in NYC, you can visit the remodeled Rivian Space at 461 W 14th Street, New York, NY 10014, and go to the automaker’s Spaces page to sign up for upcoming events.
If you do visit, let us know about your experience!
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