Huawei Challenges Tesla with the Launch of Luxeed S7 Electric Sedan
Chinese tech giant Huawei has entered the electric vehicle (EV) market to rival Tesla with the introduction of its first sedan, the Luxeed S7. The company, known for its technological prowess, has partnered with Chinese automaker Chery for this venture, marking a shift from its previous focus on SUVs. Preorders for the Luxeed S7 commenced on Thursday, with a starting price of 258,000 yuan ($35,400) during the presales period. Regular sales are scheduled to begin on November 28.
Richard Yu, Huawei’s consumer chief, unveiled the sleek sedan in Shenzhen, emphasizing its powerful high-voltage battery pack. Huawei claims that the S7 will surpass Tesla’s Model S in every specification. However, industry commentator Mark Rainford suggests caution in comparing the two, noting that certain performance metrics have not been fully disclosed. Rainford acknowledges the S7’s 800-volt platform for fast charging, giving it an edge in that area.
The 800-volt battery pack, reportedly the thinnest in the industry, is supplied by Chinese EV battery giant CATL. Huawei asserts that a 15-minute charge will provide a driving range of 400 kilometers (249 miles), surpassing Tesla’s Model S by 53 miles after a similar charging period.
Despite the potential range advantage, Rainford highlights Tesla’s strong Supercharger network in China as a competitive advantage. The ease of finding a reliable charging station is crucial, and Tesla’s extensive network may give it an edge.
While Huawei faces challenges from US export restrictions in its core tech and telecom sectors, the company has set ambitious goals for its automotive push. The Luxeed S7, catering to female consumers with unique features like a cosmetics drawer and designated storage for high heels, reflects Huawei’s commitment to innovation in the EV space. The S7’s price, significantly lower than Tesla’s basic Model S, positions it competitively in the Chinese market.
As Huawei seeks a comeback amid export restrictions, the Luxeed S7 launch marks another step in its evolving strategy, building on the momentum generated by its first EV release in 2021.
