Could an electric car's battery truly last for over 165,000 miles with minimal degradation? One Xiaomi SU7 owner in China is proving it might be possible, and the results are quite astonishing!
In a world where electric vehicle longevity is often a hot topic, a remarkable real-world test has emerged from China, showcasing the durability of the Xiaomi SU7. One dedicated owner, Mr. Feng, has put his electric sedan through an incredibly demanding regimen, covering an astounding 165,134 miles (265,757 km) in just 16 months. That's an average of 373 miles (600 km) every single day, a pace that even surpasses many professional taxi services!
But here's where it gets truly intriguing: the battery health. After this extensive mileage, an official Xiaomi service check revealed that the 94.3 kWh Shenxing battery pack has retained an impressive 94.5% of its original capacity. To put this into perspective, rival EVs like the Tesla Model 3 Long Range typically offer a warranty promising at least 70% battery health after eight years or 120,000 miles. This Xiaomi owner's experience suggests a significantly longer lifespan for its battery.
And this is the part most people miss: The minimal wear and tear extends beyond the battery. Mr. Feng reports that he has never had to replace the brake pads on his SU7. This is a remarkable testament to the effectiveness of its regenerative braking system, which captures energy during deceleration, reducing the reliance on traditional friction brakes. Even the coolant remains perfectly pure, showing no signs of water contamination.
The SU7 Pro, the specific trim driven by Mr. Feng, is equipped with a rear-mounted motor producing 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Xiaomi claims this variant can achieve a CLTC range of 830 km (516 miles) on a full charge. Over his 16 months of driving, Mr. Feng's car has consumed an estimated 47,800 kWh of electricity, which equates to approximately 506 full charge/discharge cycles for its 94.3 kWh battery. This level of usage is equivalent to charging and discharging the battery over 500 times!
Beyond the technical marvels, the financial implications are also significant. Mr. Feng estimates he has saved over ¥100,000 (approximately $14,400) in fuel costs by choosing the electric SU7 over a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. This is a substantial saving, especially when considering the starting price of the SU7 Pro in China is around ¥245,900 ($35,400).
The owner's dedication to his EV is unwavering; he plans to push his Xiaomi SU7 to an incredible 600,000 km (372,823 miles) within the next three years! This story has certainly captured attention, even being shared by Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun.
Now, here's a point that might spark some debate: While this owner's experience is incredibly positive, is it a true indicator of what most SU7 owners will experience, or is Mr. Feng an outlier due to his unique driving habits and meticulous care? Could such extreme daily mileage be sustainable for the average driver, or does it highlight a potential for early component wear in less demanding use cases? What are your thoughts on the long-term durability of EVs based on this incredible mileage? Let us know in the comments below!
