In terms of tech and efficiency, Harbin Dongan\u2019s range extenders are mostly on par with existing offerings in the Chinese market. Xiaomi\u2019s decision, though, could be attributed to the firm\u2019s low pricing, with Sina Auto reporting a purchase price of only 8,000 yuan (~1,100 USD) for Skynomad\u2019s 1.5T units.<\/p>\n
Xiaomi\u2019s 1,100 USD Decision<\/p>\n
Xiaomi shocked the auto industry with the launch of the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV, going from a newcomer to a household auto brand in record time. While it could leverage its tech-giant roots for EV development, developing an EREV platform from scratch would take time it couldn\u2019t afford.<\/p>\n
China\u2019s NEV boom, though, has created a mature supply chain for EREV powertrains. Legacy automakers like Changan and Dongfeng developed range extenders from their existing ICE lineups, and new suppliers like Geely & Renault\u2019s Horse Powertrain<\/a> are now offering drop-in solutions for existing EV platforms.<\/p>\n Harbin Dongan has also cashed in on the EREV trend, refining their Mitsubishi-derived petrol engines from a now-defunct joint venture into a lineup of dedicated range extenders.<\/p>\n While not the most technologically advanced, the widespread use of the firm\u2019s products in existing EREVs could have influenced Xiaomi\u2019s search for a reliable range extender. The claimed unit price of 8,000 yuan would only tip the scales further in Dongan\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n Xiaomi has settled on the M15DRE engine for its Skynomad lineup. MIIT lists it with a thermal efficiency of 44.3%, lagging behind the 47.26% of the Geely Galaxy A7<\/a>.<\/p>\n Still, it allows the N90 to achieve a low-battery WLTC fuel consumption figure of 5.7 L\/100 km, a commendable figure for a full-size SUV.<\/p>\n One can assume that Xiaomi is satisfied with the Dongan unit\u2019s trade-off between price and efficiency. Using an external engine supplier would allow it to save billions on engine development, and the M15DRE\u2019s low unit price would keep its margins afloat.<\/p>\n Despite the SU7\u2019s title as one of China\u2019s best-selling sedans, Xiaomi lost 5,600 USD<\/a> on every car in Q1 2026. Xiaomi desperately needs a profitable, yet affordable, volume seller to bring in cash.<\/p>\n More on Dongan<\/p>\n Dongan started as a minor supplier for entry-level microvans and sedans. It now specialises in NEV combustion powertrains, with range-extender models ranging from 1.2T three-cylinder units to 2.0 naturally aspirated generators listed on its website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Apart from Xiaomi, Dongan also has Huawei\u2019s Maextro as one of its star clients. The firm\u2019s 1.5T range extender is featured on the Maextro S800<\/a> Grand Design, a 235,300 USD luxury sedan that\u2019s one of China\u2019s priciest NEVs.<\/p>\n The firm previously made headlines for developing a new PHEV engine<\/a> that meets China VII and Euro VII emission requirements. It also developed China\u2019s first high-power rotary engine<\/a>, intended for use in the country\u2019s \u201clow altitude economy\u201d in aerial vehicles.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/skynomad_b-1-scaled.jpg\")
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\nThe upcoming Xiaomi Skynomad N70 & N90. Credit: Xiaomi<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/dongan_a.jpg\")
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\nDongan\u2019s M15NTDE range extender, boasting a thermal efficiency figure of >42%.
Credit: Harbin Dongan<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/maextro_s800_a.jpg\")
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\nHuawei\u2019s Maextro S800 Grand Design. Credit: Maextro<\/p>\n