Avatr updates Avatr 11 SUV model

The Avatr brand, which is jointly owned by Chagan and CATL, is updating its Avatr 11 SUV model. The model, initially launched as an all-electric vehicle, is now optionally available as an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV).

With this update, the Avatr 11 is now the second model of the Avatr brand that will be offered in both battery electric vehicle (BEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) options. This year, the Avatr brand rolled out the Avatr 07 EREV, which employs the ‘Kunlun extended-range system,’ which the updated Avatr 11 has also adopted. The vehicle is then powered by the Freevoy battery from CATL, a hybrid-specific battery pack with an energy capacity of 39.05 kWh, offering a battery range of 225 kilometres. The battery can comfortably operate in a wide range of temperatures from -35°C to 65°C.

The Chinese publication CN EV Post writes that the Avatr 11 EREV is available in two variants, which both feature a single motor, RWD drive trains measuring 4.89 m in length, 1.9 m in width and 1.60 m in height, and a starting price of 279,900 yuan (approx. 36,500 euros) and 299,900 yuan (approx. 39,000 euros) respectively. This is relatively cheaper than the BEV model, which is offered in three variants — one RWD model and two 4WD models — with starting prices of 339,900 yuan (approx. 44,000 euros), 369,900 yuan (approx. 48,000 euros) and 429,900 yuan (approx. 56,000 euros), respectively.

The EREV drivetrain can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 200 kph. The SUV boasts a fast charge from 30 to 80 per cent within 15 minutes and has a peak charge multiplier of 3C. With a full tank and full battery, the total range should be 1,065 kilometres, according to CLTC. This is more than the Avatr 11 BEV single-motor rear-wheel drive model drivetrain, which has a CLTC range of up to 815 kilometres.

Avatr delivered 31,663 electric cars last year, and this year, reached 32,655 vehicles delivered by July 2024 alone. However, among Chinese electric vehicle startups, Avatr is one of the companies with lower delivery figures. Given the success of Li Auto, which specialises in EREVs, startups such as Leapmotor and Neta have already started to offer EREVs in addition to their BEV models – and now Avatr is following suit in its Avatr brand. As Avatr 07 and Avatr 11 are available as hybrid models, the Avatr 12 model may likely receive the range extender by the end of the year.

Avatr was initially founded as ‘Changan Nio’ as a 50:50 joint venture. Nio has now largely withdrawn, but the battery manufacturer CATL has joined in. Although Huawei is an important technology supplier for Avatr, it is not officially a shareholder. The state-owned car manufacturer Changan is the largest shareholder with 40 per cent, CATL holds 17 per cent – the remaining shares are in free float.

cnevpost.com