IM Motors (Chinese: 智己汽车, Zhiji Motors) is a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) joint venture between SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. Founded in December 2020, IM Motors focuses on producing high-performance, premium electric vehicles, competing with global brands like Tesla, Nio, and XPeng.
| Website | www.immotors.com |
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Etymology
The brand name IM Motors stands for “Intelligence in Motion”, reflecting the company’s emphasis on smart mobility and cutting-edge technology. In Chinese, the brand is known as Zhiji Motors (智己汽车).
History
Formation and Early Development (2020–2021)
IM Motors was officially established in December 2020 as a joint venture between SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. Shortly after its formation, in January 2021, the company unveiled 3D renderings of its first vehicle—a luxury electric sedan designed to compete with the Tesla Model S.
At the 2021 Auto Shanghai auto show, IM Motors showcased three vehicles:
- IM L7 – An electric executive sedan, presented as a prototype.
- IM LS7 – A mid-size SUV concept.
- Airo – A futuristic concept car designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick.
These vehicles demonstrated IM Motors’ commitment to developing high-performance EVs with advanced technology and intelligent features.
Expansion and New Models (2022–2023)
IM Motors officially launched its first production model, the IM L7, in 2022, targeting the full-size electric sedan segment.
In December 2022, the company introduced its second production model, the IM LS7, a mid-size electric SUV.
- Sales began in mid-2023, but availability was limited to the domestic Chinese market.
- The Pudong New District government sold its 18% stake in IM Motors to Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, increasing private-sector investment in the company.
In August 2023, IM Motors expanded its lineup by unveiling the IM LS6, a sleek, coupe-style SUV positioned below the LS7.
Strategic Collaboration with Audi (2023)
In July 2023, Audi announced a strategic partnership with SAIC Motor, allowing Audi to utilize IM Motors’ platform for building large electric vehicles in China.
- This move was aimed at enhancing Audi’s competitiveness against Nio, XPeng, and other Chinese EV manufacturers.
- The partnership marked one of the first instances of a major German automaker leveraging Chinese EV technology.
New Model and Financial Boost (2024)
IM Motors participated in the Geneva Motor Show in February 2024, where it revealed its fourth model, the IM L6, for the first time.
- On April 8, 2024, the IM L6 was officially launched, with a pre-sale period beginning immediately.
- The car’s official release was scheduled for May 13, 2024, with prices ranging from RMB 219,900 to 345,900.
- Early buyers received a RMB 22,000 discount during the first month.
The flagship version of the IM L6 (Max Lightyear Edition) introduced:
- A quasi-900V ultra-high performance platform.
- Ultra-fast charging semi-solid-state batteries.
- A driving range exceeding 1,000 kilometers.
On March 1, 2024, IM Motors secured RMB 8 billion in Series B funding, led by Bank of China Asset Management and supported by:
- ABC Investment
- Lingang Group
- CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.)
- Momenta (autonomous driving technology)
- Qingtao Energy
- Other key investors
Models
Current Production Models
| Model | Type | Production Start | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| IM L7 | Full-size electric sedan | 2022 | High-tech luxury sedan with premium AI features. |
| IM L6 | Mid-size electric sedan | 2024 | Cutting-edge EV with 900V ultra-fast charging and 1,000 km range. |
| IM LS7 | Mid-size SUV | 2023 | Luxury electric SUV with intelligent driving systems. |
| IM LS6 | Mid-size SUV coupe | 2023 | Sportier, coupe-styled version of LS7. |
Concept Vehicles
IM Motors has also revealed several concept cars to showcase its technological vision:
- Airo (2021, Shanghai) – A futuristic four-door EV concept designed by Heatherwick Studio.
- LS7 Concept (2021, Shanghai) – A mid-size SUV prototype, previewing the production LS7 model.
Technological Innovations
IM Motors integrates cutting-edge technology into its EVs, with a strong emphasis on AI, autonomous driving, and ultra-fast charging.
1. Intelligent Driving & AI Systems
- Vehicles feature advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for semi-autonomous driving.
- AI-powered smart cabins with voice recognition, personalized user settings, and over-the-air updates.
2. Ultra-Fast Charging & Battery Innovation
- The IM L6 flagship model uses a quasi-900V high-performance battery system.
- Semi-solid-state batteries provide an ultra-long range of over 1,000 km.
3. Collaboration with Audi & Global Expansion
- IM Motors’ EV platform is being adopted by Audi for developing China-specific electric cars.
- The company is positioning itself as a key player in China’s EV industry, with potential international expansion in the future.
Market Position & Future Prospects
IM Motors is part of China’s rapidly growing “New Energy Vehicle” (NEV) industry, competing with:
✔ Tesla (Model S, Model X, Model 3)
✔ Nio (ET7, ES8, EC6)
✔ XPeng (P7, G9)
✔ BYD (Han EV, Tang EV)
With strong backing from SAIC Motor and Alibaba, IM Motors is poised to become a leading player in China’s premium EV market. The company’s focus on luxury, performance, and AI-driven technology differentiates it from competitors.
Conclusion
IM Motors has quickly positioned itself as a major force in China’s electric vehicle industry since its founding in 2020. With:
✅ A rapidly growing lineup of premium EVs.
✅ Breakthroughs in AI, autonomous driving, and ultra-fast charging.
✅ Strategic partnerships, including with Audi.
✅ Strong financial backing and continuous innovation.
The company is set to shape the future of high-performance electric vehicles in China and beyond. 🚗⚡
