Li Auto’s “9×9 Expressway Grid” Ultra-Charging Network Now Fully Connected

The Li Auto i8, with a pre-sale price of ¥350,000–¥400,000 ($49,000–$56,000), will officially launch on July 29.

On July 17, Li Auto announced that its nationwide “9×9 Expressway Grid” ultra-charging network has officially achieved full connectivity across all core highway segments.

This network covers China’s 18 busiest highways, including the G1 Beijing–Harbin Expressway, G2 Beijing–Shanghai Expressway, G20 Qingdao–Yinchuan Expressway, and G30 Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway, with an average spacing of just 152 kilometers between Li Auto charging stations along these routes.

To date, Li Auto has deployed 959 highway ultra-charging stations—more than any other automaker in China. It took 2 years and 3 months to grow from the first station to the 959th.

According to official data, as of July 15, 2025, Li Auto has launched a total of 2,878 ultra-charging stations across the country. The company plans to expand this network to 4,000 stations by the end of 2025, achieving 90% coverage of national expressways and core urban areas in tier-4 cities and above.

This charging network not only enhances the charging experience for current Li Mega owners but also lays the groundwork for the upcoming launches of the Li Auto i8 (a six-seat electric SUV) and i6 (a five-seat electric SUV).

Li Auto’s 5C ultra-fast charging technology enables all of its EVs to gain 500 km of range in just 10 minutes (charging from 10% to 80% in only 12 minutes). Both the existing Li Mega and the upcoming i8 and i6 models come standard with this 5C capability, allowing for a “one charge per week + 10-minute emergency top-up” usage scenario when paired with Li’s charging network.

Today, the Li Auto i8 officially opened for pre-orders with a pre-sale price range of ¥350,000 to ¥400,000 ($49,000 – $56,000). The vehicle will officially launch on July 29.

According to information from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Li Auto i8 is a mid-to-large all-electric SUV with a six-seat configuration. It measures 5,085 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,740 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm. The i8 is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering a total output of 400 kW. It features a 5C ternary lithium battery, offering two range options: 670 km and 720 km.

The mid-to-large three-row EV SUV segment is becoming increasingly competitive. Upon launch, the Li Auto i8 will compete directly with the ONVO L90, AITO M9, and NIO ES8.