Aiways: The U5 SUV makes a start
THE PRICE IS HOT The youngest Chinese electric car producer, Aiways, says it plans to start selling its U5 SUV in Europe next year, at a cost of around 40,000 francs. As a first step, the debut model has been homologated by TÜV Rheinland for the European market. For the time being, the model will be available exclusively online and as a leased vehicle [...]
As a first step, the first model was homologated by TÜV Rheinland for the European market. For the time being, the model will be offered exclusively online and as a leased vehicle. The monthly rate is then expected to be around 500 Swiss francs. Pre-orders and test drives can be booked on the manufacturer's website.
Farewell to the classic car dealership
Aiways is breaking away from conventional concepts not only in terms of drive technology, but also in terms of sales. There will be no conventional car dealerships - those who book a test drive will be visited by the Chinese and can see for themselves the performance of the U5. As a partner for repairs and maintenance, the Allianz insurance company with its authorized workshops will come into play, according to the plan.
The SUV, which is the size of a Tiguan Allspace (4.68 meters long), will have a range of 503 kilometers according to factory specifications. Thanks to the space-saving electric drive and a wheelbase measuring 2.80 meters, it offers generous interior space.
Test drive from China to Frankfurt
A test drive with prototypes from China to Frankfurt over 14,000 kilometers last September showed that the range figures are not completely unrealistic. The test drivers achieved values of 400 kilometers and more.
A 63 kWh battery is used as standard, and if a bit more range is required, customers can book an additional 20 kWh, which should postpone the next charging stop by another 100 kilometers.
Charging time should be 27 minutes
Aiways puts the engine output at 125 kW (170 hp) and the torque at 315 Newton meters. The Chinese promise that the battery can be charged from 30 percent to 80 percent in 27 minutes. Energy storage is constantly linked to temperature control to improve the battery's runtime.
Vehicle weight is 1730 kilos
For the U5, Aiways engineers developed their own base, the MAS (More Adaptable Structure) platform, which, made of aluminum, contributes to the low vehicle weight of 1730 kilograms. The body is made of conventional steel sheets. The U5 thus undercuts comparable competitors by around 20 percent. The cW value is 0.29. LED headlights and taillights come as standard, and the is fully networked.
Head of production comes from Europe
Aiways is backed by Gu Feng, the former chief financial officer of Chinese automotive group SAIC, and Roland Gumpert, the former head of Audi sports, who serves as head of production and developed the fuel-cell-powered Nathalie super sports car for the company.
Aiways is also breaking new ground in transport to Europe. To save time, the models are to be transported by train. This will save around three weeks compared to the sea route.
Photos: ampnet
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