Li Auto Launches Pure Electric i-Series, Signals Strategic Shift
Li Auto introduces i8 and i6 pure electric SUVs, marking the company's expansion beyond its signature EREV technology.
Li Auto, known for its Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), has officially launched its pure electric i-Series in China—marking the company’s first foray into fully battery-electric vehicles.
The New i-Series
Li Auto introduced two pure electric models:
Li i8 (August 2025)
- Type: Premium BEV SUV
- Range: 600+ km
- Positioning: Direct competitor to NIO ES6
- Features: Air suspension, AD Max ADAS, premium interior
Li i6 (September 2025)
- Type: Mid-size BEV SUV
- Range: 600+ km
- Positioning: More affordable i-Series entry point
- Features: Similar technology, slightly smaller footprint
Why This Matters
Li Auto built its reputation on EREVs—vehicles that combine electric motors with a gasoline range extender. The i-Series represents:
- Technology proof - Li Auto can compete in pure EV space
- Regulatory preparation - Future regulations may favor pure EVs
- Market expansion - Reach buyers who want fully electric
- Global potential - EREVs are unfamiliar outside China; BEVs are universal
EREV vs BEV: Li Auto’s Dual Strategy
| Aspect | L-Series (EREV) | i-Series (BEV) |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 1,000+ km total | 600+ km |
| Refueling | Gas + charging | Charging only |
| Target | Long-distance drivers | Urban/suburban |
| Global potential | Limited (unfamiliar) | High |
Li Auto will continue selling both product lines.
Early Sales Performance
Initial reception has been mixed:
| Model | Monthly Sales (Est.) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| L9, L8, L7, L6 | Strong | YoY decline as market shifts |
| Li MEGA (BEV MPV) | Recovering | Initial challenges, now improving |
| i8, i6 | Growing | Sequential increases since launch |
The i-Series has shown sequential growth since launch, suggesting gradual acceptance.
Technology Highlights
800V Architecture
The i-Series uses 800V charging:
- Fast DC charging capability
- More efficient than 400V systems
- Competitive with Xpeng and Zeekr
AD Max ADAS
Premium autonomous driving features:
- LiDAR integration
- Highway and urban assistance
- OTA improvements
European Market Potential
Li Auto’s pure electric strategy is relevant for potential European market entry:
- i-Series more exportable - No range extender complexity
- No gasoline dependency - Aligns with Europe’s EV push
- Competitive pricing - Could undercut European premium EVs
However, Li Auto remains focused on China with no announced European export plans.
Looking Ahead
Li Auto’s dual-strategy approach—maintaining EREVs while adding pure EVs—positions the company for multiple futures:
- If charging infrastructure improves rapidly → BEVs win
- If range anxiety persists → EREVs remain relevant
- Li Auto is prepared for either scenario
For more on Li Auto’s vehicle lineup, see our Li Auto Brand Overview.