Li Auto to equip all models with self-developed batteries
Li Auto CEO Li Xiang announced that the company's self-developed batteries will be gradually deployed across all vehicle models starting the second half of 2026. He stressed that in-house development does not imply that supplier products are inadequate.
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto will begin equipping all its vehicle models with its self-developed batteries starting from the second half of 2026. The announcement was made by CEO Li Xiang during the company's Q2 earnings call.
Li Xiang clarified that the decision for in-house battery development does not mean that products from external suppliers, such as CATL, are of inferior quality. He drew parallels to strategies employed by companies like Apple and Huawei, which aim to maintain control over critical core technologies internally.
The company views batteries and chips as core technological barriers essential for competitiveness in the upcoming era of "embodied intelligence." Li Auto's strategic objective is to ensure that its core competencies and technological development remain within the company's control.
This move follows Li Auto's recent financial report indicating a year-over-year decrease in total revenue and a net loss for the first half of 2026. The company has previously stated its intention to address cost pressures through specific measures without passing these costs onto consumers.