The electric car becoming a mainstream mode of individual transportation opened the gates to many new and often exciting brands.
One such name is Li Auto, whose cars combine innovative EV technology with the availability of fossil fuels. As a result, their SUVs can operate on battery power in urban environments while having a gas-powered range extender as a backup for situations when charging is not an option.
Furthermore – for those looking for a practical and futuristic family car – Li Auto has just revealed their brand-new flagship MPV called MEGA.
At a Glance
| Name: Li Auto | Industry: Automotive |
| Founded: 2015 | Founder: Li Xiang |
| Headquarters: China | Parent organization: Li Auto Inc. |
| Website: www.lixiang.com |
Li Car Price
How Much is the Li Car in China?
Like with any other vehicle, the price of any particular Li Car depends on the model and any selected optional extras, if these are available.
But to give you an idea of how much these cars might cost, we’ll see how much each of the models costs right here in China.
The prices for an entry-level L7 mid-size SUV start at an equivalent of $44,000. For this money, you’ll get enough room for five adults and a lot of exclusive luxury.
A step up, but still in the mid-size-SUV segment, is the slightly bigger L8, which will set you back approximately $47,000. The most notable difference is that this car carries six passengers, making it ideal for larger families.
For those who want both space and luxury, the L9 is the answer. This full-size SUV has all the mechanical underpinnings of its smaller brothers wrapped up in a larger body and packed with all the features. And to have it, future owners will need at least $63,000.
Lastly, there’s an all-new MEGA, Li Auto’s flagship MPV packed with all the latest technologies. The prices for this roomy and airy family vehicle start at around $68,000.
What is the Most Expensive Li Car?
The most expensive Li Auto model is recently revealed MEGA, referred to by the car maker as a Flagship MPV. This urban cruiser features a range of techno gizmos and – unlike other Li models – uses only a powerful battery pack without a range extender as a backup. It will be on sale from February 2024, with a price tag of around $68,000.
How Much is the Cheapest Li Car?
The cheapest of all Li Auto models is the L7, a mid-size SUV that costs approximately $44,000. For that money, you get an all-wheel drive, a battery pack with a gasoline-powered range extender, and room for five people.
About Li Auto
History of Li Auto
Li Auto was founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Li Xiang, who previously gained extensive experience at high-tech companies such as Baidu and Autohome Inc. This background significantly influenced his vision of what future cars should look like and offer.
However, being aware of the obstacles posed by battery capacity most EV manufacturers face, he also decided to take a slightly different approach. As soon as they revealed their first car, it was clear that Li Auto wouldn’t be just another electric car maker struggling for their share of the growing EV market.
The company’s first model was Li ONE, and despite being fully electric, this SUV came with a hidden ace up its sleeve. Unlike most EVs, it came with a so-called range extender in the form of a gasoline engine under the hood.
It, however, isn’t used to drive the car in any way. Instead, the ICE engine’s only purpose is to serve as a power generator that charges the batteries when needed, extending the vehicle’s range.
This unique configuration, which quite successfully addresses the range-anxiety issues often associated with electric cars, has quickly proven its real-world value among buyers.
The potential was also recognized by investors, with the Li Auto stocks selling like hotcakes as soon as the company went public on the NASDAQ in July 2020.
Since then, Li Auto has expanded its lineup, adding three similar yet slightly different crossover SUVs – L7, L8, and L9 – all of which use the proven range-extender drivetrain technology. More recently, a new and fully electric family MPV, MEGA, was introduced.
Regardless of the model or its drivetrain, the company’s emphasis on innovation, technology integration, and out-of-the-box thinking has contributed to its success in today’s rapidly growing EV landscape.
Understanding Li Car Range
Currently, the Li Car offers four different models, among which three are SUVs that, despite the size difference, share the same drivetrain. Despite being the most compact, the L7 still has more than enough space for five passengers.
Next is the L8, which is slightly bigger and has an additional row of seats, which gives this mid-size SUV the ability to carry six adults. And for those who aim at luxury, the top-of-the-range L9 will be the perfect pick.
All three SUVs are driven by a pair of electric motors – one for each axle – with a combined power output of 330 kW.
The fourth model is called MEGA, and it’s a bit different, both on the outside and under the skin. Unlike previously mentioned SUVs, this family MPV doesn’t need the help of a range extender. Instead, this EV has a powerful CALT battery, which ensures a sufficient range for most occasions.
Interesting Facts About Li Auto
One of the most amusing facts about Li Auto is its SUV lineup, which incorporates a gas-powered range-extender into the drivetrains. While this may be a conventional turbocharged engine, it doesn’t propel the car in any way.
Instead, it only serves as a generator that charges the battery when needed. This configuration eliminates range anxiety and gives you freedom when venturing away from the city.
Li’s flagship SUV model, the L9, can travel the longest distance using electricity only among all its competitors – the title that was until recently held by the BMW i3.
Where Are Li Cars Made?
Li Car has a manufacturing facility in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, where, besides making vehicles, all engineering and design work is done.
The company has its headquarters in China’s capital, Beijing, where the Research & Development department is also located.
More than 2,500 people are employed in different Li Car divisions.
Li Auto Electric Cars
Li Auto offers all the typical EV upsides without what most drivers of such vehicles fear – being low on battery with no charging point on site. In such situations, the range extender will kick in and ensure enough electricity for all your needs.
Still, this feature doesn’t make Li Cars any less environmentally friendly, as these devices do an excellent job of efficiently converting gasoline into electric energy.
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Li Auto Models
Li Auto, a rising star in the electric vehicle (EV) market, boasts a compelling model range featuring the L7, L8, L9, and MEGA. Each model exhibits distinct characteristics, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Li Auto L7
| Price: Starting at ~$44,000 | Release year: 2023 |
| Engine: Two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors + gas-powered range extender | Drivetrain: All-Wheel-Drive |
| Top speed: 180 km/h | 0-60 mph: 5.3 sec |
| Power: 449 hp | Torque: 620 lb-ft |
| Range: 1100 km total, of which 165 km on batteries | Dimensions (L x W x H): 5050 x 1995 x 1750 mm |
| Weight: 2450 kg | Luggage Space: 495 liters |
Li Auto L8
| Price: Starting at ~$47,000 | Release year: 2022 |
| Engine: Two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors + gas-powered range extender | Drivetrain: All-Wheel-Drive |
| Top speed: 180 km/h | 0-60 mph: 5.5 sec |
| Power: 449 hp | Torque: 620 lb-ft |
| Range: 1100km total, of which 160 km on batteries | Dimensions (L x W x H): 5050 x 1995 x 1800 mm |
| Weight: 2480 kg | Luggage Space: 501 liters |
Li Auto L9
| Price: Starting at ~$63,000 | Release year: 2022 |
| Engine: Two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors + gas-powered range extender | Drivetrain: All-Wheel-Drive |
| Top speed: 180 km/h | 0-60 mph: 5.3 sec |
| Power: 449 hp | Torque: 620 lb-ft |
| Range: 1100km total, of which 190 km on batteries | Dimensions (L x W x H): 5218 x 1998 x 1800mm |
| Weight: 2520 kg | Luggage Space: 640 liters |
Li Auto MEGA
| Price: Starting at ~$68,000 | Release year: 2023 |
| Engine: Two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors | Drivetrain: All-Wheel-Drive |
| Top speed: N/A | 0-60 mph: N/A |
| Power: 536 hp | Torque: 620 lb-ft |
| Range: 700 km | Dimensions (L x W x H): 5350 x 1965 x 1850 mm |
| Weight: 2875 kg |
