Hiphi

HiPhi is an electric vehicle brand under the Chinese technology company Human Horizons, established to compete in the premium EV sector. The brand was founded in July 2019 by Ding Lei, a veteran of the automotive industry with extensive experience, including roles as the former CEO of Shanghai General Motors and Vice President of SAIC-GM. Lei's background in both the traditional auto industry and high-tech park management shaped his vision for a new breed of vehicles that merge advanced technology with luxury.

The company's business model revolves around the direct sale of high-end electric vehicles characterized by their futuristic designs and extensive technological integration. HiPhi targets affluent, tech-savvy consumers who are open to new brands and prioritize advanced features over established brand allegiance. Revenue is generated through the sale of its vehicles, which are priced in the premium to luxury segment. The brand operates through a network of showrooms, known as 'HiPhi Hubs', in major Chinese cities and has begun expansion into European markets, including Germany and Norway.

HiPhi's product line includes several models built on a proprietary H-SOA electrical and electronic architecture. The first model, the HiPhi X, is a full-sized crossover SUV launched in 2020, featuring distinctive gullwing doors. This was followed by the HiPhi Z, a luxury GT with a design that includes programmable smart headlights and a robotic arm for the infotainment screen. The company later introduced the HiPhi Y, a more mainstream SUV aimed at a broader market segment, and teased a hypercar, the HiPhi A. A core concept for the brand is what it terms "design defined by scenarios, vehicle defined by software, and value defined by co-creation", emphasizing a software-first approach and user involvement. The vehicles incorporate features like 5G connectivity, V2X collaboration, and numerous sensors to enable advanced functionalities.

The company's journey has faced significant financial challenges. In early 2024, Human Horizons halted production for a period due to a cash crunch after selling a relatively low volume of vehicles compared to competitors. However, the company secured a substantial investment from EV Electra, a Lebanese investor, which allowed production to resume in May 2025. This investment led to a restructuring, with EV Electra taking a majority stake in the HiPhi brand.

Keywords: electric vehicles, luxury EV, Human Horizons, Ding Lei, HiPhi X, HiPhi Z, HiPhi Y, smart car, automotive technology, EV manufacturer, premium electric cars, Chinese EV, connected car, supercar SUV, Digital GT, autonomous driving features, battery technology, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), software-defined vehicle, EV Electra