Launches Li i8, a six-seater SUV by Li Auto, marking their entry into the fiercely competitive BEV market
New Electric SUVs in the Chinese Market: Li Auto Li i8, Onvo L90, and Tesla Model Y L
In a growing market for electric vehicles (EVs), three new six-seat electric SUVs are set to make a splash in China. The Li Auto Li i8, Onvo L90, and Tesla Model Y L are poised to capture the attention of family buyers looking for spacious EVs.
The Li Auto Li i8, launched in July 2025, is priced slightly lower than the Tesla Model Y L but higher than the Onvo L90. The Li i8, Li Auto's first pure electric SUV, comes standard with dual motors, offering a total power output of 400 kW and a total torque of 660 Nm. It also boasts a 90.1-kWh battery pack with a CLTC range of 670 kilometers for the entry-level model. The Li i8 measures 5,085 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, 1,740 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,050 mm.
The Onvo L90, a sub-brand of Nio, starts at an even lower price and is positioned as one of Tesla and Li Auto's direct competitors in the six-seat SUV market. Its exact power specifications are yet to be announced, but it promises a competitive offering.
Tesla's Model Y L, set to launch this fall, stands out with the longest range and quickest acceleration. With a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering up to 340 kW (462 hp), it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and offers a CLTC-rated range of 751 km (approximately 600 km WLTP equivalent). The Model Y L is priced at around RMB 339,000 ($47,180) and features a "2+2+2" seating layout.
The Li i8 will use the latest autonomous driving architecture, MindVLA (Visual-Language-Action), while the Model Y L's autonomous driving capabilities are not yet specified. Both vehicles will face competition in the BEV market, where they will be competing with the Onvo L90 and the upcoming six-seat Model Y L from Tesla.
Li Auto has increased its charging network construction over the past year and has announced that there will be 3,000 supercharging stations when the Li i8 goes on sale. Deliveries for the Li i8 started on August 20, 2025, with the Model Y L expected to start deliveries in September 2025 in China.
In June, Li Auto delivered 36,279 vehicles, marking the first time in at least five years that June deliveries declined year-on-year. Huawei-backed Aito models are putting pressure on Li Auto in the EREV market, which might impact Li Auto's sales in the near future. However, with the launch of the Li i8, Li Auto aims to regain its position in the Chinese EV market.
[1] Tesla Model Y L Official Website: www.tesla.com/model-y-l [2] Li Auto Li i8 Official Website: www.li-auto.com/li-i8 [3] Onvo L90 Official Website: www.onvo.com/l90 [4] Li Auto Q2 2025 Earnings Report: ir.li-auto.com/static-files/3863301f-28f2-46a9-87f4-c77581f7a93b [5] Tesla Model Y L Delivery Timeline: www.tesla.com/model-y-l/delivery-estimates
- The automotive industry in China is seeing an influx of electric vehicles (EVs), with three new six-seat electric SUVs entering the market: Li Auto Li i8, Onvo L90, and Tesla Model Y L.
- The Li Auto Li i8, unveiled in July 2025, offers a competitive advantage with its dual motors, resulting in a total power output of 400 kW and a total torque of 660 Nm.
- The Onvo L90, a sub-brand of Nio, is positioned as a direct competitor to Tesla and Li Auto in the six-seat SUV market, offering competitive pricing and specifications yet to be announced.
- Tesla's Model Y L stands out with impressive acceleration and range, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and offering a CLTC-rated range of 751 km.
- Li Auto will deploy the latest autonomous driving architecture, MindVLA (Visual-Language-Action), in the Li i8, while Tesla's autonomous driving capabilities in the Model Y L remain to be specified.
- Li Auto aims to establish a strong charging network, with 3,000 supercharging stations planned for when the Li i8 goes on sale. Deliveries for the Li i8 started on August 20, 2025, and Model Y L deliveries are expected in September 2025.
- Li Auto delivered 36,279 vehicles in June 2025, marking a decline in year-on-year sales due to competition from Huawei-backed Aito models in the EREV market.
- The Li i8 and Tesla Model Y L can be found on their respective official websites: Li Auto Li i8 at www.li-auto.com/li-i8 and Tesla Model Y L at www.tesla.com/model-y-l.
- Detailed financial reports for Li Auto can be found on their Investor Relations page at ir.li-auto.com/static-files/3863301f-28f2-46a9-87f4-c77581f7a93b.
- Prospective buyers interested in the Tesla Model Y L can check the delivery timeline on the official website at www.tesla.com/model-y-l/delivery-estimates.
- The growing electric vehicle market in China, coupled with advancements in technology and infrastructure, is transforming the transportation, finance, industry, and lifestyle sectors.
- The innovation and competition among companies like Li Auto, Nio, Tesla, and others will drive the expansion of the EV market and autonomous driving capabilities in China.
