industry-academia collaboration

Xiaomi, in collaboration with Northeastern University’s research team led by Academician Wang Guodong and materials firm Yucaitang, developed a 2200MPa “Super Steel” for electric vehicles (EVs), the industry’s strongest automotive-grade steel. Unveiled in Xiaomi’s YU7 sedan, the material surpasses conventional 1500MPa steel with 40% higher tensile strength, enhancing crash safety: A-pillar load capacity increased 25%, B-pillar performance by 70.5%, and door anti-collision beams’ impact resistance by up to 52.4%. The innovation stems from Northeastern University’s “National Key Laboratory of Digital Steel” and Yucaitang’s expertise in translating steel research into automotive applications, highlighting China’s strategic push to lead next-gen EV technologies through academia-industry partnerships.