GAC Aion Unveils Enhanced Aion V SUV: A Strategic Play to Capture Global Markets

GAC Aion, the electric vehicle arm of GAC Group, has unveiled the refreshed Aion V SUV, marking a strategic move to broaden its global footprint. This is the first model produced simultaneously in GAC Aion’s facilities in China and Thailand, signaling the brand’s commitment to catering to diverse international markets.

Yesterday, GAC Aion formally introduced the second iteration of the Aion V in China during a launch event. The vehicle comes in seven configurations, priced competitively between RMB 129,800 ($17,840) and RMB 189,800, representing a notable reduction from the previous generation’s range of RMB 149,900 to RMB 229,600.

Built on GAC Aion’s AEP all-electric platform, the mid-size Aion V boasts dimensions of 4,605 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height, with a 2,775 mm wheelbase. Its design is tailored to resonate with global consumers, adhering to stringent quality benchmarks and regulatory requirements worldwide.

The Thai manufacturing facility, inaugurated on July 17th, represents GAC Aion’s maiden venture into overseas production. On the same day, the second-generation Aion V rolled off the assembly line, solidifying its status as GAC Aion’s inaugural global strategic model. The Thai plant will annually introduce new models for localized production.

GAC Aion Deputy General Manager Xiao Yong revealed that the new Aion V targets the all-electric A-segment SUV market, aiming to capture a significant share with its price bracket of RMB 130,000 to RMB 190,000. The vehicle is equipped with two motor options, delivering peak powers of 150 kW and 165 kW, and a uniform maximum torque of 240 Nm. All variants are single-motor front-wheel drive models, achieving a 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.

Battery options include packs of 62 kWh, 75 kWh, and 90 kWh, corresponding to ranges of 520 km, 650 km, and 750 km, respectively. GAC Aion touts the Aion V’s rapid charging capabilities, estimating up to 125 km of range after a 5-minute charge and 370 km after 15 minutes.

A battery swap-enabled variant is in the pipeline, although GAC Aion has yet to specify a release date or additional details. While the company has dipped its toes into the battery swap ecosystem, it hasn’t made substantial investments in this area. As of April 2022, GAC Aion operated its first battery swap station, reaching 14 stations by August 2023, though current figures remain undisclosed.

In July 2023, GAC Aion’s sub-brand Hyper debuted the Hyper GT sedan, with one model featuring battery swap compatibility. More recently, on May 8th, Nio and GAC Group entered into a partnership agreement focusing on joint development of battery-swap-enabled passenger cars and compatible battery-swap stations. Details regarding the scope of their collaboration in the battery swap domain are pending.

Following its launch, the second-generation Aion V garnered over 10,000 confirmed orders within just over an hour. However, sales figures reveal a downturn; GAC Aion reported 35,027 units sold in June, a decline of 22.18% year-over-year and 12.59% from May. Year-to-date, sales reached 177,366 units, marking a 15.27% decrease compared to the same period last year.

This strategic rollout of the updated Aion V underscores GAC Aion’s ambitions to strengthen its position in the global EV landscape, leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and innovative technology to appeal to a broader audience.