NIO and Li Auto Spar Over Active Suspension Technology Roadmaps

[Technology Roadmap] NIO and Li Auto have publicly debated their respective approaches to active suspension systems—48V versus 800V architectures.

Key Development: On June 5, Li Auto released a comparison video questioning the suspension performance of the NIO ES9.

In wave-road testing, the Li Auto L9 demonstrated noticeably smoother body control, while the NIO ES9 exhibited significant jolting. NIO executive Ma Lin immediately challenged the transparency of the test conditions and suspension configurations, demanding that Li Auto release its underlying data. Li Auto executive Tang Jin subsequently responded that the comparison was intended solely for internal learning purposes, thereby sparking a broader debate between the integrated 48V and split-type 800V technical roadmaps.

Strategic Underpinnings: Technological Discourse Shapes Flagship SUV Competition

NIO CEO William Li previously asserted that the 48V system represents a "generation-ahead" solution and even predicted it would become an industry standard; Li Auto countered with real-world testing. Although consumers may have limited awareness of such technical nuances, both companies are effectively vying for the "definition rights" of intelligent chassis systems—a battle that ultimately underpins the market positioning of flagship models like the ES9 and L9.