Aito releases electric SUV M5 EV in China

Aito, a subsidiary of Huawei and Seres, is launching its first all-electric model in China. Called the Aito M5 EV, the electric SUV is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive at prices starting at 288,600 and 319,800 yuan (approximately 41,765 euros and 46,280 euros, respectively).

The Aito M5 EV is based on Huawei’s DriveONE platform designed for all-electric drive and is equipped with Huawei’s DATS dynamic adaptive torque system, which has a road-dependent response time of 4 ms.

The single-motor version with the electric drive in the rear comes with an output of 200 kW and is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. CATL’s LFP battery is said to offer an energy content of 80 kWh, enabling a range of 620 kilometres according to Chinese standards. The all-wheel drive version is equipped with an additional front motor with an output of 165 kW. However, there is no information on the system performance. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is to be achieved in 4.5 seconds in this model. The CATL battery with 80 kWh is also used in this variant. A range of 552 kilometres is specified.

Incidentally, the Aito M5 EV is not entirely new: it is the all-electric offshoot of the Seres SF 5, which, along with the Aito M7, is one of two previous vehicle models from the company. These are extended-range electric vehicles.

According to the reports, Aito delivered 10,045 vehicles in August, surpassing the 10,000-delivery mark for the first time. In July, the figure was 7,228 deliveries. Deliveries of the Aito M5 began in March of the current year. The Aito M7 was delivered for the first time on August 24.

In the future, Qilin batteries are expected to power new Aito models. That’s according to a statement from CATL, which said the battery company has updated a 2021 partnership agreement with Seres. The strategic cooperation agreement covers a five-year period. According to the statement, the Qilin batteries have a volume utilization efficiency of 72 per cent and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. As a result, a range of more than 1,000 kilometres could be achieved. Qilin also supports a hot start in 5 minutes and fast charge in 10 minutes, it adds.

“High product quality, good consumer experience and excellent service are the main reasons for AITO models’ attractiveness to consumers. Huawei, SERES and CATL are all committed to creating innovative technologies and high-quality products, and we will continue to innovate and bring the most powerful and cutting-edge technologies to AITO models, thus offering consumers a real smart driving experience,” said Richard Yu, Executive Director, CEO of Consumer BG and CEO of Intelligent Automotive Solution BU of Huawei.

Robin Zeng, Founder and Chairman of CATL, added: “The signing of the long-term strategic cooperation agreement shows our determination to leverage state-of-the-art traction battery technologies to empower partners to build a global high-end auto brand. It also demonstrates our confidence to succeed in the era of intelligent electric vehicles with our joint efforts.”

With reporting by Domenico Sciurti, Germany.

cnevpost.com, gasgoo.com, pandaily.com, aito.auto, prnewswire.com (CATL/Seres)