A recent online dispute between senior executives at Chinese EV makers Nio and Li Auto escalated this week over allegations that Nio’s sub-brand, Onvo, was involved in spreading false claims about Li Auto’s upcoming all-electric SUV, the Li Auto i8. However, the controversy has since taken a turn, as the originator of the claims publicly admitted to fabricating the test drive story, as reported by IT-Home.

On July 24, Li Auto Vice President Liu Jie posted a screenshot on social media, suggesting a possible smear campaign against the soon-to-be-launched Li Auto i8, a six-seat electric SUV. The post questioned whether so-called “black PR” actors were orchestrating unfavourable comparisons to the Onvo L90. In response, Onvo President Shen Fei commented, “I suggest you report it to the police.” This exchange prompted significant online attention, particularly after Shen reposted a separate blog post that linked the alleged smear content to a Li Auto internal user group.

On July 26, Onvo’s Shen publicly addressed Liu on Weibo, stating: “It has been verified that the origin of the claim did not come from Onvo. Since the facts are clear, I suggest Liu Jie openly apologise to Onvo and Nio users to clear the misunderstanding and demonstrate leadership.”

The controversy stemmed from a widely shared user comment claiming to have tested both the Li Auto i8 and the Onvo L90. The post alleged that the i8 “rocked like a boat,” while praising the L90’s stability, interior space, and seating comfort. The post also included criticisms of the i8’s assisted driving performance, claiming it nearly caused a traffic incident. However, on July 26, the author of the post issued a public retraction.

In a statement titled “Clarification,” the individual admitted the entire test drive story was fabricated. They said they were motivated by curiosity and aimed to see whether “internet water armies” were actively comparing the two models with malicious intent. “My original intention was to bait reactions and delete the post afterwards,” the author wrote. “I didn’t expect the situation to escalate and fuel conflict between both brands’ executives and fans.”

The author identified themselves as someone who owns both a Nio ET7 and a Li Auto L9, expressing admiration for both companies and denying accusations of being a “double agent” or intentionally stoking controversy for attention. They stated the post was entirely personal and not affiliated with any other party or company. “There was no gain, no attempt to profit, and no hype involved,” they added.

The dispute comes at a critical time for both brands. The Li Auto i8, a large electric SUV priced between 350,000 and 400,000 yuan (approx. 48,200 to 55,000 USD), is open for pre-orders, with an official launch scheduled for July 29. The Onvo L90, which began presales on July 10, starts at 279,900 yuan (approximately 38,500 USD) for the full-purchase version and 193,900 yuan (roughly 26,700 USD) with battery leasing. Deliveries for the L90 are expected to begin on August 1.