How to Get a Xiaomi Car in the US (And Why It’s So Hard Right Now)

Xiaomi’s electric cars—especially the Xiaomi SU7—have captured global attention for their sleek design, modern tech, and aggressive pricing in China.
Naturally, many American buyers are asking the same question:

Can you get a Xiaomi car in the United States? The honest answer is: not easily, and not officially. But here’s what you need to know if you’re serious about owning one.

Why Xiaomi Cars Aren’t Sold in the US

As of now, Xiaomi vehicles are primarily sold in China, with international expansion expected to focus on other regions before the United States.
The US is a difficult market for new entrants, and there are three main reasons Xiaomi cars aren’t available through official US dealerships:

  • Strict US safety and environmental regulations: Vehicles must meet DOT safety standards and (where applicable) EPA requirements before they can be legally sold and registered.
  • Costly certification and testing: Compliance work may involve major modifications and, in some cases, expensive validation processes like crash testing.
  • High tariffs on Chinese-made EVs: Import duties can dramatically increase the total cost, making a “budget-friendly” EV extremely expensive by the time it lands in the US.

Can You Import a Xiaomi Car Anyway?

Technically, importing is possible. Practically, it’s only realistic for a small number of buyers due to the legal and financial complexity.
Here are the main pathways people explore:

1) Use a Registered Importer (Very Expensive)

A federally registered importer may be able to bring a non-US vehicle into compliance by handling the modifications and paperwork required for legal road use.
This can include changes to safety systems, lighting, labeling, software behavior, and more.

  • DOT compliance updates (safety standards)
  • Lighting and signaling conversions
  • Documentation and certification processes
  • Potentially very high costs depending on requirements

2) Temporary Import (Not Permanent Ownership)

Some vehicles may be imported temporarily for limited purposes such as displays, events, testing, or short-term use.
These vehicles generally cannot be permanently registered and must follow strict rules, including leaving the country after the allowed period.

3) Special Vehicle Classifications (Rare for Full-Size EVs)

Some smaller foreign EVs have entered the US under niche classifications (for example, low-speed vehicles).
However, a full-size performance sedan like the Xiaomi SU7 typically does not fit these categories in a practical, street-legal way.

What This Means for US Buyers

Right now, most buyers cannot simply buy and register a Xiaomi car like a normal US-market EV. In practical terms, you generally:

  • Can’t walk into a US dealership and buy a new Xiaomi car.
  • Can’t import one cheaply and register it easily.
  • Can monitor availability, policy changes, and future expansion plans.
  • Can buy one abroad for use in regions where Xiaomi officially sells.

Will Xiaomi Ever Sell Cars in the US?

Xiaomi has not announced an official US launch plan. Most indicators suggest Xiaomi’s near-term focus is on scaling production at home and expanding to select international markets first.
The US remains challenging due to regulatory complexity and the current tariff environment.

That said, interest is growing fast. If Xiaomi eventually announces official US availability—or new import pathways become more realistic—buyers will want to be ready.

The Bottom Line

If you want a Xiaomi car in the US today, expect major legal hurdles and very high costs.
For most people, the smartest move is simple:

Wait. Watch. Be Ready.

When Xiaomi cars become more accessible internationally, XiaomiCarsForSale.com will track availability, import updates, pricing trends, and the latest news so you can make an informed decision.