raised target number of supercharging stations from 2,000 to 2,700 by the end of this year and offers a five-year, worry-free car ownership benefit for the Li Mega to increase the model's appeal.

(Image credit: Li Auto)

Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI) has begun deliveries of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, the Li Mega MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle), and has increased its target for supercharging station construction as part of an effort to part of an effort to increase the model's appeal.

The company announced on its social media channels that deliveries of the Li Mega officially began today.

Since the launch of the Li Mega on March 1, users have provided many comments that have helped the company continue to grow, Li Auto said.

Based on user feedback, Li Auto will launch an upgrade program that includes the construction of more supercharging stations and five years of worry-free car ownership, the company said.

By the end of this year, Li Auto will have 2,700 supercharging stations in China, providing 20,000 charging piles, it said. That's an increase of 700 from the 2,000-station target the company announced late last month.

By the end of 2024, Li Auto will have 2,000 supercharging stations in cities providing 17,000 charging piles and 700 supercharging stations along highways providing 3,000 charging piles, it said.

These charging stations will achieve more than 60 percent coverage of urban areas in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and more than 70 percent coverage of national highways, it said.

"We firmly believe that only by continuing to invest in the supercharging network can more family users choose Li Auto's pure electric products without any hassle," it said.

As of today, Li Auto has 351 supercharging stations providing 1,518 charging piles, mainly in highway service areas.

Under the 5-year worry-free benefit, Li Auto will provide all Li Mega owners with all maintenance items free of charge for five years or 100,000 kilometers.

Even if these vehicles are sold in a used car deal, the 5-year warranty will still be valid, Li Auto said.

Li Auto officially launched the Li Mega on March 1, and it is currently only available in the Max trim, with a starting price of RMB 559,800 yuan ($77,840), making it the most expensive model Li Auto currently sells.

The Li Mega looks like the locomotive of a Chinese high-speed rail, a unique design that aims to reduce wind resistance for better range.

However, its rear-end design has been met with an avalanche of negative comments on Chinese social media over the past few days.

Earlier today, Li Auto founder, chairman, and CEO Li Xiang said in its personal WeChat status that the company will fight back against what he called organized crimes.

($1 = RMB 7.1849)

Li Auto CEO vows to fight back as negative comments threaten to derail Li Mega's prospect