China’s electric vehicle (EV) market is electrified by Xiaomi’s YU7 SUV, but delivery waits of up to 60 weeks have sparked backlash among eager buyers. The smartphone-turned-EV maker secured 240,000 orders within 18 hours of the YU7’s launch on June 26, 2025, overwhelming its production capacity, with only a few vehicles ready for immediate delivery, according to Reuters. As Xiaomi challenges Tesla’s Model Y, these delays expose the hurdles of scaling EV production to meet soaring demand.

Massive Demand Outpaces Production

The YU7, priced at $35,360 (253,500 yuan), is 4% cheaper than Tesla’s Model Y and boasts a 518-mile (835 km) range on the CLTC cycle with a 96.3 kWh battery in its Standard trim. It supports ultra-fast 5.2C charging, adding 385 miles (620 km) in 15 minutes, powered by an 800V silicon carbide platform. The launch saw 200,000 orders in just three minutes, hitting 289,000 within an hour. However, Xiaomi’s Beijing plant, producing 28,000 units monthly as of May 2025, can’t keep up, despite plans for new factories. Wait times range from 33–56 weeks, with the Max trim at 33–36 weeks and Standard at 53–56 weeks.

Xiaomi Yu7 Delivery Delays Frustrate 240,000 Ev Buyers In China

Consumer Frustration and Financial Risks

Buyers are outraged over Xiaomi’s lack of upfront clarity. The company’s app disclosed 38- to 60-week delivery timelines only after a non-refundable $697.97 (5,000 yuan) deposit was paid, prompting over 400 complaints on Sina’s Black Cat platform. Customers fear additional costs if a year-end EV tax exemption expires, potentially hiking prices. CEO Lei Jun, responding on Weibo, said, “I will answer some questions raised after the YU7 launch in a livestreaming event,” aiming to address concerns.

Competitive Features in a Hot Market

The YU7 targets Tesla’s Model Y with three trims: Standard (rear-wheel drive, 315 hp, 518 miles), Pro (all-wheel drive, 489 hp, 478 miles/770 km), and Max (all-wheel drive, 690 hp, 472 miles/760 km, 101.7 kWh battery, 0–62 mph in 3.23 seconds). Features include a HyperVision panoramic display with three Mini LED screens, Nappa leather seats, and Apple ecosystem integration (CarPlay, Apple Music). Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan already outsold Tesla’s Model 3 monthly since December 2024, but a fatal SU7 crash in March 2025 raised safety concerns.

Challenges for EV Enthusiasts

For EV owners, the YU7’s delays highlight China’s EV boom outstripping supply. Buyers must weigh waiting over a year for a feature-packed, budget-friendly SUV against pricier alternatives like the Model Y, with a 447-mile (719 km) range but faster delivery. Regulatory shifts, like the tax exemption’s potential expiration, could raise costs by thousands. Lei Jun’s upcoming livestream will be pivotal for Xiaomi to rebuild trust and maintain its edge in the competitive EV race.