Li Auto delays launch of first battery EV til March

Li Auto, NIO, and Xpeng reportedly set 2024 delivery targets Credit: Li Auto

Li Auto has decided to put off launching the Mega, its latest battery-powered EV, from its earlier slated December. The Nasdaq-listed EV maker said it now plans to begin delivery of the allrounder on March 1, without giving reasons for the delay on China’s Twitter-like social media platform Weibo. Pre-sales of the seven-seater with a price tag of around RMB 600,000 ($82,800) began in November. The car resembles China’s highspeed bullet-style trains and comes with CATL’s next-iteration Qilin batteries, providing the vehicle with a 500-km (311-mile) additional range on 12-minute fast charging. Rival Xpeng Motors on Monday launched a similar offering, the X9, with a starting price of RMB 359,800. It is scheduled to deliver the van from later this month. Huawei-backed Aito said last week its M9 full-size sports utility vehicle will be priced from RMB 469,800 and delivered to customers from Jan. 26. [Caixin, in Chinese]