Li Auto Launches i6 EV Under $33,000 With 10-Minute Fast Charging
Li Auto Inc. has launched its new i6 pure electric sedan with aggressive introductory pricing and rapid-charging technology, intensifying the competition in China's crowded electric vehicle market.
The Beijing-based automaker unveiled the i6 on September 26, pricing its single-configuration model at RMB 249,800. However, an early-bird offer valid for orders placed before October 31 drops the price to RMB 239,800 yuan (US$32,850), a move that positions the vehicle directly against offerings from major domestic and international rivals.
The i6’s key selling point is its advanced 5C battery technology, which the company claims can add 500 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes of charging. All trims come standard with high-end features including LiDAR sensors and a powerful 700 TOPS computing chip for its advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).
The launch marks a significant step in Li Auto's expansion from its popular extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) into the pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment. The i6’s competitive pricing and feature set are aimed at capturing market share and addressing consumer concerns over charging speed and convenience in the world's largest auto market.
A Focus on Rapid Charging
The i6 is equipped with a 5C-rated lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery designed for ultra-fast charging. The company stated the battery can reach a peak charging power of 500kW, allowing it to charge from 10% to 95% in 15 minutes. It offers a CLTC-rated range of 720 kilometers on a full charge. Li Auto highlighted the battery's low internal resistance of 0.36mΩ, which it claims gives it superior performance in cold temperatures, retaining 70% of its range—a figure the company says is the highest in its class. An integrated thermal management system is said to improve cold-weather range by over 50 kilometers.
Expanding Charging Network
To support its new BEVs, Li Auto has been aggressively building out its proprietary charging infrastructure. The company now operates over 3,300 of its own supercharging stations across China, claiming its network coverage has surpassed that of Tesla's. On major highways, the company has deployed over 1,000 stations, ensuring a charger is available approximately every 150 kilometers along key national routes. Li Auto also offers a "Yousutong" priority service at its 5C-capable stations, which intelligently allocates power to ensure its vehicles can still achieve charging speeds of up to 400kW even during busy periods.
Advanced Intelligence as Standard
The i6 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of intelligent driving hardware, including a LiDAR sensor and a Thor-U chip delivering 700 TOPS of computing power. The vehicle’s smart cockpit is powered by MindGPT, an in-house developed large model that supports natural language conversations, facial and voice recognition, and automated payments for services like parking. The ADAS relies on a "VLA" (Visual Language Action) driver model, enabling features such as autonomous route-finding for memory parking and emergency collision avoidance at speeds up to 130 km/h.
In-Cabin Comfort and Versatility
Li Auto has designed the i6's interior to function as a versatile living space. The front seats can recline fully flat to create two single beds. The cabin features a 21.4-inch 3K entertainment screen for rear passengers and a Dolby Atmos 7.3.4 surround-sound system with 22 speakers, which the company noted are the same type used in Maybach vehicles. Unique interior elements include a rear "tea table" with a standard screw mount for accessories, and a privacy function called "i-person space" that turns off all exterior lights. Occupants can use the rear screen to monitor the vehicle’s external cameras for security.