Xiaomi has formally signaled its entry into the extended-range electric vehicle segment, filing for a new brand called Sky Nomad and preparing a full-size SUV designed to blend substantial battery range with a gasoline-powered backup generator. The move comes after the company’s EV division reached profitability in just two years and now seeks to match competitors who are rapidly expanding their hybrid lineups.
A New Sub-Brand for Outdoor and Family Use
The Sky Nomad name will operate as a distinct brand under Xiaomi Auto, complete with dedicated social media accounts. Early spy images of heavily camouflaged test vehicles, combined with preliminary specifications, position the new line squarely in the outdoor lifestyle and family adventure category.
Generous Dimensions and an Unconventional Roof Design
The first model, reportedly codenamed N90 and expected to launch as the YU9, is described as a full-size SUV measuring more than 5,300 mm in length with a wheelbase around 3,100 mm. That footprint places it among large three-row family vehicles. Unusually, one trim level appears to feature a retractable roof that, when raised, turns the rear cabin into a camper-like space with standing headroom and a two-level sleeping layout suited to scenic overnight stops.
Big Battery and Long Combined Range
At the core of the EREV system is an 80 kWh CATL battery pack, which is exceptionally large for a hybrid and claims to deliver up to 300 miles of pure electric range. A 1.5-litre gasoline extender pushes total range beyond 1,500 km under China’s CLTC testing cycle. An equivalent outcome in EPA terms would still exceed 800 miles, underscoring the vehicle’s long-distance flexibility.
Production Timing and Market Context
According to current reports, the first Sky Nomad vehicles are set to be unveiled in late July, with sales beginning in August. More than 10,000 units are said to be ready for immediate delivery at launch. Extended-range vehicles have become a focal point in China’s automotive market, as they offer a practical middle ground between daily electric driving and the convenience of a combustion engine for extended journeys. Several domestic manufacturers are now preparing to bring similar EREV strategies to overseas markets where refueling infrastructure remains widespread.
Source: weibo.com