Xiaomi has created an SUV that also functions as a camping tent, and its range specifications are just as impressive.
A pop-up camping roof, 300 miles of electric range, and a gas extender for when the camping life takes you to areas lacking electrical access.
Xiaomi transitioned from selling smartphones to producing electric cars and achieved profitability in just two years, a milestone that took Tesla a decade to reach.
The automaker has introduced a new electric vehicle sub-brand named Sky Nomad, aimed at the outdoor and family lifestyle market. Notably, the first vehicle in this range may feature a built-in retractable roof that transforms into a camping tent.
So what is Sky Nomad, and who is its target audience?
The initial model, codenamed N90, is rumored to be a full-size electric SUV with three rows of seating. It is expected to measure over 5,300 mm in length and possibly have a 3,100 mm wheelbase, positioning it within the large family SUV category.
While Xiaomi has yet to confirm the battery specifications, the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) may combine an 80-kWh CATL battery with a 1.5-liter gas range extender, offering a total range of over 1,500 kilometers (according to China's CLTC cycle). The electric-only range is reportedly around 300 miles.
The most unique feature of the proposed Xiaomi SUV is its retractable roof that, when deployed, creates a two-level loft space at the rear of the vehicle for setting up a mini camp.
Does this product idea make sense?
Absolutely, and here’s the reasoning. EREVs are gaining immense popularity in China as they address the challenges of EV infrastructure and range anxiety. They provide the benefits of an electric vehicle for everyday driving, reducing operational costs, while also offering the range and reliability of a hybrid for longer journeys.
The SUV is anticipated to launch as the Xiaomi YU9 in late July, with sales beginning in August. Xiaomi has prepared over 10,000 units for immediate delivery, showcasing the company’s confidence in this model.
In my view, this represents a genuine product with clear ambition, targeting a specific market segment. It marks the company’s shift from mass-market urban EVs to the profitable family and lifestyle SUV segment, which is outpacing all other vehicle categories in China.
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Other articles
Xiaomi has created an SUV that also functions as a camping tent, and its range specifications are just as impressive.
Xiaomi has introduced its new sub-brand, Sky Nomad, which launches with a 5.3-meter family EREV SUV featuring a retractable camper-tent roof in one of its trims.
