Xiaomi’s payment policy for its EVs is facing backlash as customers are being asked to pay in full months before delivery. The policy, seen as unfair by many, threatens to tarnish the brand’s reputation.
Xiaomi’s payment policy for its EVs is facing backlash as customers are being asked to pay in full months before delivery. The policy, seen as unfair by many, threatens to tarnish the brand’s reputation.
Xiaomi’s early success in the electric vehicle (EV) market is now being overshadowed by growing customer dissatisfaction over its payment policy.
While the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV have been praised for their design and performance, a new misstep in customer experience could potentially have lasting consequences for the brand’s reputation.
A rising number of buyers in China allege on social media that Xiaomi is demanding full payment for their vehicles weeks or even months before the scheduled delivery date.
According to reports in Chinese media, customers are being warned that their orders will be “suspended from production” if they do not comply. Some buyers, who are still 22 to 25 weeks away from their estimated delivery, have already received final payment notices.
This move reportedly contradicts Xiaomi’s earlier assurances. The company had previously stated on its official WeChat account that customers could inspect their vehicles before making the final payment.
Now, buyers are faced with a difficult choice: pay the full amount well in advance or risk losing their order and a deposit of RMB 5,000 (approximately ₹51,000).
The reason behind this policy lies in the fine print of Xiaomi’s purchase agreement. A clause allows the company to demand final payment at any time, based on its “vehicle production arrangements or sales situations.”
Failure to pay within seven days is considered a breach of contract, giving Xiaomi the right to cancel the order and retain the deposit. Many customers argue that this term is unfair and leaves them with little recourse.
Xiaomi has not commented on the controversy, but industry observers speculate that the policy may be aimed at filtering out non-serious buyers or speculators.
However, this approach risks damaging the trust Xiaomi is trying to build in the highly competitive EV market.
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