In a surprising revelation at Beijing’s National Convention Center, Xiaomi’s CEO disclosed that the company purchased three Tesla Model Y vehicles specifically to disassemble and study their components. This strategic move highlights the intense competition in the electric vehicle market as tech giants pivot toward automotive innovation.
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Why Xiaomi Chose Tesla Model Y for Analysis
“We bought 3 Model Ys at the start of this year, disassembling the parts one by one, and studied every component, one at a time,” the CEO explained during his presentation. This methodical approach demonstrates Xiaomi’s commitment to understanding industry-leading EV technology.

The CEO praised the Model Y as an “outstanding” car, even suggesting that consumers who don’t choose Xiaomi’s upcoming YU7 should consider Tesla’s offering instead.
Competitive Analysis in the EV Market
| Aspect | Tesla Model Y | Xiaomi YU7 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Position | Established leader | New entrant |
| Technology Focus | Autonomous driving | Smartphone integration |
| Price Strategy | Premium | Competitive |
| Target Audience | Tech enthusiasts | Xiaomi ecosystem users |
This reverse engineering strategy isn’t uncommon in the automotive industry. Companies like BYD and NIO have similarly studied competitor vehicles to improve their offerings.

What This Means for Xiaomi’s EV Future
Xiaomi’s detailed analysis of the Tesla Model Y suggests the company is serious about competing in the premium EV segment. The YU7, expected to launch soon, will likely incorporate lessons learned from Tesla’s engineering excellence.
The CEO’s candid admission also reflects Xiaomi’s transparent approach to innovation – acknowledging superior competitors while building upon their strengths.
For more updates on Xiaomi’s automotive ventures, check out our previous coverage on Xiaomi’s EV strategy and Tesla’s market dominance analysis.
Key Takeaway: Xiaomi’s systematic study of Tesla’s Model Y demonstrates the company’s methodical approach to entering the competitive EV market, setting high standards for their upcoming YU7 vehicle.

