Ge Long Hui A P P·2026-01-19 01:49Core Insights - The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industry is transitioning from a focus on range and battery capacity to a phase emphasizing core technology advancements, with a market penetration rate reaching 46.1% and over 10 million units sold in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of over 30% [1] - The "China Heart" 2026 Annual Power Day highlighted the success of Li Auto's self-developed high-voltage SiC electric drive system, which won the "Top Ten New Energy Vehicle Power Systems" award, showcasing the company's strategic shift from market follower to technology leader [1][2] - Li Auto's full-stack self-research strategy has led to significant breakthroughs in electric drive technology, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying technologies rather than merely integrating existing components [3] Technical Autonomy and System Innovation - Li Auto's high-voltage SiC electric drive system represents a departure from traditional practices by achieving full-chain self-research from silicon carbide power chips to the complete electric drive system [2] - The innovative hexagonal cell structure in chip design reduces conduction resistance, enhancing overall system efficiency, while the new internal window structure in power module design minimizes footprint and optimizes hidden friction [2][3] User Experience and Value Creation - The successful conversion of advanced technology into user-perceived value is evident in the Li Auto i8, which boasts an industry-leading electric drive efficiency of 93.08% and a CLTC range of 720 kilometers, significantly reducing charging frequency for users [5][6] - Innovations such as a 97.8 kWh battery enabling 500 kilometers of range with just 10 minutes of charging and specialized lubricants for low temperatures enhance user experience and address real-world driving concerns [6][7] Ecosystem Building and Industry Leadership - Li Auto's commitment to fostering an innovative ecosystem is demonstrated through partnerships with academic institutions and investments in research funds, promoting long-term foundational research in smart vehicles and AI [8] - The company's collaborative approach with local suppliers not only enhances its own technology but also drives the growth of the domestic supply chain, exemplifying a model where leading companies uplift the entire industry [9][10] Conclusion - The recognition of Li Auto's high-voltage SiC electric drive system signifies a broader awakening of technological confidence within the Chinese automotive industry, emphasizing the necessity for companies to master core technologies to compete globally [11] - The future evaluation of automotive value may shift towards the extent of self-developed core technologies and their impact on the supply chain, calling for more Chinese companies to anchor their strategies in technology for accelerated growth in the global EV market [12]