Li Auto Drops After Launching i8 Electric SUV Amid Weak Buzz
Li Auto, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has faced a disappointing reception for its brand-new i8 electric SUV. The company’s shares sank over 10% in Hong Kong after the launch of the vehicle, which was touted as a major milestone for the company. Despite its impressive features, including a range of 720 kilometers (447 miles) and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), investors were unimpressed by the vehicle’s pricing and lack of standout features.
The i8 electric SUV was launched with a price tag of 321,800 yuan (approximately $47,000), which is significantly higher than Nio’s rival L90 model. The higher price point may have contributed to the negative sentiment surrounding the launch, as investors may feel that the vehicle is overpriced compared to its competitors.
Another factor that may have contributed to the negative reaction is the lack of battery-swap support for the i8 electric SUV. This feature is a major selling point for many EVs, as it allows drivers to quickly swap out their batteries for a fully charged one, reducing charging times and increasing convenience. The lack of this feature may have made the i8 less attractive to potential buyers.
The negative sentiment surrounding the launch of the i8 electric SUV has been reflected in the stock market, with Li Auto’s shares dropping over 10% in Hong Kong. This drop in value may make it more difficult for the company to raise capital in the future, which could have long-term implications for its business.
Stocktwits Users Weigh In
The reaction to the launch of the i8 electric SUV has also been reflected in the comments of Stocktwits users, who are a community of investors and traders who share and discuss market news and analysis. According to a recent article on Stocktwits, users were “neutral” on Li Auto, with many expressing concerns about the vehicle’s pricing and lack of standout features.
One user, who goes by the handle “EVInvestor,” wrote, “I’m not impressed with the i8. It’s too expensive and lacks the battery-swap support that I was hoping for. I think it’s a step backward for Li Auto.”
Another user, “TechTrades,” wrote, “I was expecting more from Li Auto’s first SUV. The price is too high and the features are not impressive enough. I think the company needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with something better.”
2025 Gains Remain Near 14%
Despite the negative reaction to the launch of the i8 electric SUV, Li Auto’s stock has still managed to post impressive gains in 2025. According to data from Stocktwits, the company’s shares have risen by nearly 14% this year, driven in part by its strong sales performance in China. However, the recent drop in value may make it more difficult for the company to continue this momentum in the future.
Conclusion
The launch of Li Auto’s i8 electric SUV has been met with a disappointing reception from investors, who were unimpressed by the vehicle’s pricing and lack of standout features. The company’s shares have dropped over 10% in Hong Kong, and Stocktwits users are “neutral” on Li, with many expressing concerns about the vehicle’s competitiveness in the market.
While Li Auto’s 2025 gains remain near 14%, the recent drop in value may make it more difficult for the company to continue this momentum in the future. The company will need to address the concerns of investors and work to improve the competitiveness of its vehicles if it wants to remain a major player in the EV market.
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