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Li Auto is accelerating both its physical retail footprint and high-end product push as it competes in China's crowded EV market. The company recently registered a wholly owned sales and service subsidiary in Taizhou to bolster local distribution, parts supply and after-sales support. At the same time, Li’s product chiefs highlight the technological leap embodied in the new L9 Livis—featuring drive-by-wire chassis, an in-house 5nm AI chip paired with Qualcomm silicon, 800V active independent suspension, and full-vehicle lidar—aimed at neutralizing critiques about tech capability and moving the brand upmarket with advanced ADAS and electrification features.
Li Auto's simultaneous expansion of retail operations and promotion of advanced vehicle technologies affects competitive positioning, supply chains, and talent needs in China's EV market. Tech professionals should note rising integration of custom silicon, lidar, and high-voltage systems that drive new software, hardware, and testing requirements.
Dossier last updated: 2026-05-29 10:19:43
Li Auto announced the all-new L8 Livis will debut and start deliveries at the end of June, repositioning the model from a six-seat to a five-seat flagship to complement the new L9. The L8 Livis appears in regulatory filings with larger exterior dimensions (5135×2000×1800mm, 3045mm wheelbase vs. previous 5080×1995×1800mm, 3005mm) and curb weight 2740–2830kg. It retains side/rear lidar like the L9, offers two-tone paint, optional 1500kg tow kit, and trim/accessory options. Powertrain details include a 115 kW range extender by Jiangsu Li Auto Power Tech, a 72.7 Ah ternary lithium battery (Sunwoda cells, Li Auto pack) delivering WLTC pure-electric 335–343 km and fuel consumption of 0.23–0.27 L/100 km. This broadens Li Auto’s high-end SUV lineup and targets premium buyers.
Li Auto completed a public live test driving a Li Auto L9 Livis from Beijing to Shanghai without refueling or recharging, covering 1,422.8 km in 14 hours 42 minutes. The vehicle achieved a highway pure-electric range of 327.4 km before the range-extender started at 3% battery, and the combined fuel consumption while running on the extender was 6.0 L/100 km. The test was done under near-realistic conditions (four passengers, ~50 kg luggage, 24°C cabin, average speed 100.7 km/h). Li Auto says the L9 Livis uses a 72.7 kWh “5C” battery, a 1.5T four-cylinder range extender with 42–43% thermal efficiency, a 65 L fuel tank, and supports 420 kW peak charging (10–80% in ~10 minutes). Li Auto reports 400+ 5C supercharge stations across 160 highways.
Chinese EV maker Li Auto has established a new sales and service subsidiary in Taizhou. Tianyancha records show Changlihang Automobile Sales & Service (Taizhou) Co., Ltd. was recently registered with 1 million RMB capital, legal representative Yin Lei, and business scope covering vehicle sales and parts wholesale/retail. The new firm is wholly owned by Li Auto’s Beijing Leidin Automobile Sales Co., Ltd. This expansion signals Li Auto’s continued dealership and after-sales network growth across Chinese regional markets, supporting distribution, parts supply and local customer service as competition in EV retail intensifies.
Li Auto product-line head Tang Jing said public criticism that "Li lacks technology" has largely vanished since the L9 Livis launch. Tang highlighted three flagship innovations on the new L9 Livis: a claimed world-first fully realized drive-by-wire chassis (including EMB electronic-mechanical braking), the industry’s first 5nm automotive AI chip Mach 100 alongside Qualcomm Snapdragon 8797 Elite (totaling 2,560 TOPS), and an 800V fully active independent suspension with four-wheel independent control. The L9 Livis, priced at ¥509,800 and launched May 15, also includes full-vehicle 360° lidar and ambitious L3/L4 automated-driving hardware claims, positioning Li Auto as pursuing advanced ADAS, powertrain electrification, and in-house silicon to boost competitiveness.