by CHEN Xiaotong
China's electric-vehicle startups posted another month of strong sales in November, led by Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) — a Huawei-backed group of EV brands — which crossed the 80,000-unit mark for the first time.
China is the world's largest EV market, where monthly volumes for leading startups now rival or exceed annual sales of some global incumbents.
HIMA delivered 81,864 vehicles in November, up nearly 90 percent year on year, taking cumulative sales across its AITO, Luxeed and other sub-brands beyond one million.
Leapmotor followed with 70,327 deliveries, its second straight month above 70,000. The company said full-year sales have already topped 500,000, reaching its 2025 target ahead of plan.
Geely's Zeekr and Lynk & Co remained steady with 63,902 combined deliveries, while new entrant Xiaomi Auto again cleared 40,000, supported by strong demand for its SU7 sedan. Xiaomi also said it would begin offering "ready-stock" cars — new and demo vehicles available for immediate delivery — to shorten wait times.
Momentum was also firm among the trio known in China as "Weixiaoli", referring to Nio, Xpeng and Li Auto. Nio delivered 36,275 vehicles, boosted by its newer Onvo and Firefly sub-brands. Xpeng handed over 36,728 units, bringing year-to-date deliveries close to 400,000, and Li Auto delivered 33,181 vehicles and said production of a new mass-market model, the L6, would ramp up early next year.
Among smaller players, Voyah broke the 20,000-unit threshold for the first time, while Avatr and IM Motors posted steady month-on-month increases.
The strong November results highlight how China's crowded EV sector is sustaining momentum despite slowing overall demand growth. Carmakers have leaned on rapid model refreshes, expanded line-ups and aggressive year-end promotions to defend market share in what remains the industry's most competitive arena.
