TLDR
- Xiaomi’s YU7 SUV topped China’s EV sales charts in January with 37,869 units sold, doubling Tesla Model Y’s 16,845 units
- Tesla Model Y crashed from first place in December to 20th overall and seventh among new energy vehicles in January
- Xiaomi reached 600,000 total EV deliveries since launching in early 2024, with over 400,000 units sold in 2025 alone
- The company sold 39,000 EVs in January 2026 despite a broader slowdown in Chinese EV sales
- Xiaomi has set an ambitious sales target of 550,000 EVs for 2026
Xiaomi’s electric vehicle division delivered a knockout blow to Tesla in China’s January sales figures. The numbers tell a stark story of shifting consumer preferences in the world’s largest EV market.
It happened—just as I predicted: the Xiaomi YU7 has beaten the Tesla Model Y in deliveries in China.
This was always the most likely outcome, in part because of Tesla’s delivery wave strategy. Back in June 2025, when Xiaomi unveiled the YU7’s pricing, I said this would become… pic.twitter.com/K6iUUX8mZ7
— AJ (@alojoh) February 13, 2026
The Xiaomi YU7 SUV claimed the top spot for January sales with 37,869 units sold. That’s more than double Tesla’s Model Y, which managed just 16,845 deliveries. The gap between first and seventh place was massive.
Tesla’s Model Y experienced a dramatic fall from grace. The vehicle held the number one position in December but plummeted to 20th place overall in January. Among new energy vehicles specifically, it dropped from first to seventh.
The data from the China Passenger Car Association includes both electric and gasoline-powered vehicles. Even with that broader comparison, Tesla’s decline stands out.
Xiaomi’s Rapid Growth Trajectory
Xiaomi announced it crossed 600,000 cumulative EV deliveries since launching its first vehicle in early 2024. That’s a remarkable pace for a company primarily known for smartphones and consumer electronics.
The company operates with two main models. The SU7 sedan debuted first, followed by the YU7 crossover in mid-2025. The YU7 has become the stronger seller of the two.
Xiaomi sold over 400,000 EVs in 2025 alone. That performance placed the company among China’s biggest electric vehicle manufacturers. Price cuts, promotional offers, and positive reviews from critics all contributed to the sales surge.
The January numbers show resilience. Xiaomi moved 39,000 units despite Chinese EV sales slowing down across the industry. Most competitors saw declining numbers.
Market Position and Future Plans
Looking at the full year 2025, Tesla ranked fifth in China EV sales. Xiaomi came in tenth place. The gap between them narrowed considerably by year’s end.
When including gasoline vehicles in the mix, the competitive landscape becomes even more complex. Tesla faces pressure from both traditional automakers and new EV startups.
Xiaomi has set a target of 550,000 EV sales for 2026. That represents a 37.5% increase over 2025 performance. The company will need to maintain January’s momentum throughout the year.
The YU7 crossover appears to be driving much of Xiaomi’s recent success. SUVs and crossovers dominate Chinese consumer preferences, giving Xiaomi an edge with this model.
Tesla’s January struggles raise questions about its pricing strategy and product lineup in China. The Model Y refresh may not have resonated as strongly as expected with Chinese buyers.
Chinese consumers responded well to Xiaomi’s combination of technology integration and competitive pricing. The company leveraged its existing brand recognition in consumer electronics.
Xiaomi sold 39,000 EVs in January 2026, with the YU7 posting strong numbers despite the industry-wide slowdown in Chinese electric vehicle sales.
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