In a recent real-world driving test simulating urban commuting, the 2026 Li Auto i6 successfully completed a challenge around Taihu Lake, covering 811.4 kilometers. This impressive feat resulted in an 811.4 km range realization rate of 104% against its projected range, with an average energy consumption of 11.8 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Li Xiang Highlights In-House Technology as Key to Performance
Following the successful test, Li Xiang, CEO of Li Auto, shared more details on Weibo. He explained that the test conditions mimicked typical city driving, with ambient temperatures between 13 to 20℃. The vehicle adhered to urban speed limits, used air conditioning set to 24℃ in automatic mode, and carried four adult passengers (totaling approximately 300kg) along with 50kg of testing equipment.
Li Xiang expressed confidence in the robust range performance of Li Auto’s current models equipped with their “Lianshan” battery technology, even suggesting it was a case of “reverse phantom labeling” (反向虚标), meaning the real-world performance exceeded advertised figures. He cited the new Li L8, which achieved a 107% CLTC range realization rate in a full-load test by Yiche, and the 2026 Li i6’s 104% rate as evidence.
“The ability to achieve this is because we have independently developed and integrated the core ‘three electrics’ – the battery, electronic control, and motor. Core components are self-researched, allowing for deep synergy under a unified logic. This not only supports 5C ultra-fast charging but also enables all models to achieve longer range and lower energy consumption,” Li Xiang stated.
Self-R&D Drives Efficiency and Range
Li Xiang elaborated on how Li Auto’s in-house development contributes to the i6’s performance. For the 2026 Li i6, the Lianshan battery was designed in conjunction with the vehicle’s body. The battery pack’s upper cover fits seamlessly with the vehicle floor’s contours, allowing for nearly 3 kWh of additional battery capacity.
Furthermore, the self-developed silicon carbide power module, a critical component of the electronic control system, shortens the current path. This enhancement boosts the efficiency of the entire electric drive system, contributing approximately 30 kilometers to the vehicle’s overall range.
In a pre-test Weibo post, Li Xiang had outlined two primary reasons for his confidence in the range test: a larger battery capacity and the self-developed ‘three electrics’. The 2026 i6 features an increased 96 kWh battery, boosting its CLTC range from 720 km (on the 2025 model) to 780 km. It is also equipped with the self-developed 5C ultra-fast charging Lianshan battery, a self-developed and manufactured rear drive motor, and an electronic control system utilizing self-developed silicon carbide power modules.
Li Xiang emphasized that having the entire ‘three electrics’ system developed in-house allows for unified calibration and optimization, leading to significantly lower overall vehicle energy consumption. This integrated approach is crucial for achieving both impressive range and efficient charging capabilities.
This achievement underscores Li Auto’s strategic focus on vertical integration and in-house R&D for critical automotive technologies, positioning them to deliver vehicles with competitive real-world performance.
