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In a recent development, the controversy surrounding false claims about the performance of Li Auto's upcoming all-electric SUV, the Li Auto i8, has been publicly resolved. The individual who fabricated test drive comparisons between the Li i8 and Onvo's L90, a competitor in the EV market, issued a formal retraction on July 26, 2025.
The fabricated post, which was entirely personal and not affiliated with any other party or company, sparked a controversy between senior executives at Chinese EV makers Nio and Li Auto. Onvo's Shen publicly addressed Liu Jie, Li Auto's Vice President, on Weibo, stating that the origin of the claim did not come from Onvo.
The author of the controversial post, who owns both a Nio ET7 and a Li Auto L9, admitted to fabricating the test drive story with no gain, no attempt to profit, and no hype involved. The author also denied accusations of being a "double agent" or intentionally stoking controversy for attention.
Despite this resolution, tensions between the two brands remained visible on social media, highlighted by competitive banter and memes during and after their respective launches. The Li Auto i8 officially launched on July 29, with pre-orders in process, while the Onvo L90 began presales earlier in July with deliveries expected to start August 1.
The Li Auto i8's launch event was not without its own controversy. A dramatic crash test video of the i8 attracted public scrutiny and claims of staging by the truck manufacturer involved. Li Auto and related parties responded with statements aiming to clarify the safety demonstration, but debate over the crash test's authenticity and safety implications continued into early August.
Both brands have been actively promoting their models amid user enthusiasm and heated online discussions. The Onvo L90, priced at approximately 26,700 USD with battery leasing and 279,900 yuan for full purchase, offers interior space, seating comfort, and stability, according to the user comment that initially sparked the controversy. The Li Auto i8, priced between 350,000 and 400,000 yuan, has been the subject of criticisms regarding its assisted driving performance and the i8's rocking motion during the crash test.
In a turn of events, Liu Jie, Li Auto's Vice President, posted a screenshot on social media suggesting a possible smear campaign against the Li Auto i8. The author of the controversial post's retraction, however, has helped clear the air and bring closure to the controversy.
References: [1] IT-Home. (2025, July 26). Controversy involving false claims about Li Auto i8’s performance resolved. Retrieved from https://www.ithome.com/news/148207 [2] TechNode. (2025, July 10). Onvo L90 presales begin, deliveries expected in August. Retrieved from https://technode.com/2025/07/10/onvo-l90-presales-begin-deliveries-expected-in-august/ [3] CNBC. (2025, July 29). Li Auto i8 crash test video sparks controversy, debate over authenticity. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/29/li-auto-i8-crash-test-video-sparks-controversy-debate-over-authenticity.html [4] Reuters. (2025, August 3). Li Auto responds to claims of staging crash test video. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/li-auto-responds-claims-staging-crash-test-video-2025-08-03/
Technology and finance intertwine as both Li Auto and Onvo, competitors in the EV market, experience falls and rises in stock prices following the controversies surrounding their respective models, the Li Auto i8 and Onvo L90. Amid these events, the sports sector also plays a role, with both brands using competitive strategies to boost their image and product sales, akin to rival teams vying for supremacy on the field.
