Xiaomi, known for its rapid ascent in the electric vehicle (EV) market, appears to be widening its automotive horizons. A newly revealed patent for fuel-level display technology suggests the company is actively developing vehicles equipped with traditional fuel systems, not just pure electric platforms. This move confirms speculation that Xiaomi is pushing into hybrid and extended-range vehicles, marking a significant strategic expansion.
The patent, published on December 5 by the National Intellectual Property Administration, falls under Xiaomi’s umbrella of fuel-based and hybrid technical reserves. Its core innovation lies in a sophisticated software method designed to stabilize erratic fuel gauge readings. Anyone who has driven a car with a jumpy fuel needle knows the frustration, and Xiaomi aims to iron that out. The system works by comparing an initial fuel level value with sensor readings. If there is a significant discrepancy, it makes a series of adjustments until the displayed value accurately reflects the tank’s actual contents, ensuring drivers get reliable information and reducing those sudden, anxiety-inducing drops in the fuel gauge.
This development explicitly points to Xiaomi’s commitment to vehicles that use fuel storage. It places the method firmly within the company’s hybrid or extended-range technology roadmap, distinctly separate from its pure-electric lineup. While the patent does not name specific models, it’s clear that Xiaomi is tackling the common issue of fluctuating fuel readings caused by driving dynamics, fuel sloshing in the tank, or temporary sensor quirks with a clever software solution. This aligns with a broader trend in the Chinese auto industry where manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of both EV and hybrid technologies.
Beyond this fuel-tank innovation, Xiaomi has been busy filing other patents related to vehicle control and battery materials. We are talking about everything from advanced control functions and drift control systems to new methods for preparing lithium iron phosphate material. These filings cover critical areas like electronics, chassis control, and battery tech, underscoring Xiaomi’s extensive R&D efforts across the automotive spectrum.
Chinese automotive media has been buzzing with details about three upcoming Xiaomi vehicles. There’s the large, three-row extended-range SUV, code-named YU9, which is said to stretch over 5200 mm and come packed with lidar and rear-wheel steering. Then there’s a refreshed SU7, which is expected to get significant hardware and software upgrades, possibly including an extended-wheelbase version for more passenger comfort. And for performance enthusiasts, the YU7 GT is rumored to be a monstrous variant of the YU7, with a dual-motor setup estimated to churn out over 1000 horsepower.
Xiaomi’s journey in the automotive world has been nothing short of impressive. In November 2025, the company delivered a staggering 46,249 new-energy vehicles, with the YU7 model accounting for 33,729 wholesale sales. These figures build on October’s strong performance of 48,654 units delivered, and 33,662 YU7 wholesale sales. Since April 3, 2024, Xiaomi has cumulatively delivered over 500,000 vehicles, blowing past its annual target of 350,000 units for 2025. This incredible momentum solidifies Xiaomi’s position as a major player in China’s dynamic automotive landscape, proving that its blend of tech expertise and consumer focus resonates deeply with buyers. It seems the company’s expansion into non-pure-EVs is just another gear in its rapidly accelerating journey. You can read more about China’s EV sales race, where Xiaomi is a key contender.
