Huawei Smart Electric DriveONE: Redefining the Range and Safety of New Energy Vehicles

Introduction: Focusing on Humanity and Upholding Rationality Amidst Technological Waves

According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, new energy vehicle sales are expected to account for 40.9% of total new car sales in 2024, an increase of 9.3 percentage points from 2023, indicating a robust growth trend. This success can be attributed to domestic new energy brands and the collaborative efforts across the industrial chain, particularly the leadership of major companies in technology, standards, and user experience.

As a Tier 1 component supplier in the new energy vehicle sector, Huawei’s Digital Energy Smart Electric DriveONE consistently sets industry benchmarks through technological innovation, driving the development of the new energy vehicle industry. At the recent 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Huawei’s Digital Energy Smart Electric DriveONE showcased its theme of “Ten Kilometers Per Kilowatt Hour for All, Innovating Safety in Motion,” demonstrating the future direction of new energy vehicles through technology.

While the industry often emphasizes parameters like motor speed and acceleration, Huawei briefly mentioned its global record-holding motor with a speed of 38,800 RPM during the launch, shifting focus instead to the “safety in motion” aspect, which it considers the “greatest luxury.” This strategic choice reflects Huawei’s deep understanding of industry trends and user pain points—addressing “range anxiety” while enhancing safety and control through a seamless integration of motion capabilities.

1. Range Revolution: From Range to Kilowatt-Hour Range

Range has always been a primary concern for new energy vehicles. Previously, technical advancements focused mainly on single-point innovations and increasing battery capacity. However, improvements in vehicle quality led to reduced energy efficiency per kilometer, resulting in diminishing returns that constrained the industry’s sustainable growth.

During the strategic launch of its smart electric and intelligent charging network, Huawei’s Digital Energy Smart Electric Product Line President, Wang Chao, emphasized that “kilowatt-hour range (the distance a vehicle can travel per kilowatt-hour) is a necessary condition for evaluating a vehicle’s quality.” In enhancing kilowatt-hour range, Huawei DriveONE has worked with automotive partners to transition from isolated breakthroughs to comprehensive vehicle system optimization. Factors such as vehicle energy loss, drive loss, battery energy density improvements, thermal management efficiency, and standby power consumption contribute to enhancing the kilowatt-hour range of the vehicle.

By 2025, through joint testing with several automakers, Huawei aims to establish a new industry benchmark of “12 kilometers per kilowatt-hour.” With the dual drive of “Ten Kilometers Per Kilowatt Hour for All” and “Super Charging for All,” Huawei is ushering the new energy vehicle sector into the kilowatt-hour range 3.0 era, transforming the landscape from range anxiety to carefree travel.

2. Performance Meets Safety: “Sufficient is Enough”

During the launch, Huawei introduced a drive motor with a world-record speed of 38,800 RPM, yet only spent 10 seconds on this highlight in the presentation. This minimalist approach reflects Huawei’s profound understanding of the essence of driving. This is evident in the DriveONE motors used in the Smart S7 and R7, where the powertrain’s maximum speed limit is 25,000 RPM, yet the production speed is capped at 22,000 RPM, achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.3 seconds. This “sufficient is enough” strategy demonstrates Huawei’s belief that the ultimate value of performance is to serve safety.

3. Safety in Motion: Redefining Driving Concepts Towards Comprehensive Safety

As the application scenarios for new energy vehicles continue to expand, there are heightened expectations for overall vehicle safety, passenger comfort, and driving flexibility. Wang Chao noted that the development of motion safety can be divided into three phases: instinctual safety, instinctual + redundant safety, and comprehensive safety. Stage 1.0 transitioned from hydraulic control to full electrification, evolving from centralized to distributed control. Stage 2.0 significantly improved vehicle travel safety while enhancing driving smoothness. Looking ahead to Stage 3.0, the goal is to achieve comprehensive safety and a closed-loop system through deep integration of XYZ, disrupting traditional driving mindsets.

During a test drive at the Tianma Racecourse, a vehicle equipped with Huawei’s motion safety solution performed exceptionally well. The Wanjie M9, a large SUV, executed emergency maneuvers at speeds up to 109 km/h, utilizing the synergy between its power and braking systems, achieving millisecond-level adjustments in wheel torque, enhancing obstacle avoidance speed by 20% compared to traditional models. In a test simulating a three-wheel stuck scenario, the vehicle quickly adjusted its power and braking to regain mobility. Under low-friction conditions, simulating icy or slippery roads, DriveONE maintained vehicle stability through torque adjustments. On the racetrack, the “Boost Mode” provided robust power, while multi-motor coordination in turns improved handling safety.

4. Quality Foundation: Empowering the Supply Chain for Consumer Benefits

Huawei’s Smart Electric DriveONE has provided solutions for 12 major automotive manufacturers, with over 50 vehicle models utilizing its technology. The total powertrain delivery volume is projected to reach one million units by 2024, solidifying its position as the undisputed No.1 among independent Tier 1 suppliers. In addition to HarmonyOS and Avita, many emerging automotive companies have adopted its drive motors and components through a parts supply model, ensuring technical independence while leveraging Huawei’s technological advantages.

Huawei’s Smart Electric DriveONE has been recognized as the top performer in powertrain supplier quality for two consecutive years by the Vehicle Quality Network. This award, based on genuine feedback from respondents, reflects users’ high regard for vehicles equipped with DriveONE technology.

Conclusion: Protecting the Essence of Driving Amidst Technological Innovation Waves

As the global automotive industry undergoes a transition towards intelligence, with focus shifting towards parameter comparisons and singular technological enhancements, Huawei DriveONE remains committed to a “human-centric” product development philosophy. The “kilowatt-hour range” addresses range anxiety head-on, while the “integration of motion safety” meets the core demand for safe and enjoyable driving. From high-speed obstacle avoidance to navigating complex terrains, all developments are driven by user pain points, steering clear of superficial features.

The launch event and exhibition of Huawei Digital Energy Smart Electric at the Shanghai Auto Show defined the direction of new energy vehicles through technological prowess: the 38,800 RPM motor showcased formidable capabilities, while motion safety ensured user travel security; achieving 12 kilometers per kilowatt-hour broke through efficiency barriers, and collaborative ecosystem efforts promote industry advancement. From the acceleration performance of the Smart S7 to the handling capabilities of the ZunJie S800, Huawei Smart Electric DriveONE not only demonstrates technological appeal but also embodies the essence of automobiles—true luxury lies in ensuring every journey is filled with a sense of security.