The prototype of the LI Auto Mega electric minivan is out.

After building its success on electric vehicles with range extenders, the Chinese manufacturer is preparing to launch its first 100% electric model. It will be a large family minivan.

Xpeng is certainly not the only one to believe in the future of the electric minivan. Another young Chinese manufacturer is preparing to launch a similar model, LI Auto. The brand which is today number one in the camp of “new manufacturers” will make its revolution. Not only is it moving to a minivan after three SUVs, but it is also going fully electric after having built its reputation largely on the principle of the range extender.

To compensate and continue to offer easier daily life for its customers, LI Auto promises ultra-fast charging based on 800V CATL batteries. We are promised a 400 km recharge in 9 minutes and 30 seconds, and 600 km in 22 minutes. LI proclaimed that its vehicle would be the first in the world with a battery capable of 5C charging.

To prepare for the arrival of this new model, LI Auto has started to deploy its own fast charging network, currently equipped with 480 kW terminals. It plans to install 3,000 by 2025.

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Is the minivan the future of the SUV?

LI Auto should take care of the interior of its minivan. Indeed, its SUVs are appreciated for their range extender, but also their neat interior for families. On-board space will undoubtedly be the big winner in the transition from SUV to MPV with dimensions that seem more than generous and the disappearance of the large hood…

The Mega shares at least one thing with the Xpeng X9: a desire to break the rules of the minivan. For the moment, the segment retained a very codified style around that of the stars of the market, the Buick GL8 and Toyota Alphard. With its TGV profile, its receding roof, its rear in the purest “coda-tronca” spirit and its light strip at the foot of the windshield, it will clearly modernize the offer. X9 and Mega could act as electroshocks and seriously stimulate the segment.