China’s Aiways releases new U6 EV hatch, considers Aussie launch
Another Chinese electric vehicle brand is talking up its plans to come to Australia.
Its name is Aiways and it’s yet another of the well-funded and ambitious EV start-ups that have emerged from China in recent years.
Established in 2017, Aiways is based in Shanghai and exports to Europe, where it has a R&D base in the German city of Munich.
Last week it launched its latest model, the U6 hatchback SUV coupe, which joins the smaller U5 in production. The bigger U7 has been previewed in concept form.
Boding well for Australia, right-hand drive Aiways production begins soon with a UK launch confirmed for 2023.
An Aiways spokesman told the leading automotive website carsales.com.au an Australian launch was under consideration.
“We will start production of right-hand-driven cars within the next months and will start selling the cars in the respective markets,” Aiways Europe communication, PR and political affairs director Bernd Abel said.
“As Australia is such, we for sure think of it [launching Down Under]”.
“With its breathtaking natural beauty, environmental awareness and forward-thinking policies, Australia is very attractive for a manufacturer of sustainable mobility like Aiways.”
The U6 is powered by a 150kW permanent magnet synchronous motor that drives the front wheels. It is fed by a 63kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The U6 has a claimed 410km range, a 7.0-second 0-100km/h time and a recharging rate up to 90kW.
The more upright U5 has the same powertrain. Both also share Aiways’ More Adaptable Structure (MAS) platform.
The U6 measures up at 4805mm long, 1880mm wide and is 1641mm high. It has a 2800mm wheelbase.
Equipment highlights include Android-based operating software, over the air update capability and 8.2- and 14.6-inch digital screens.
If Aiways does show up in Australia it will join fellow Chinese brands selling EVs here including MG, BYD, GWM and Ora and Chery (yet to launch). Lynk & Co and Nio say they will be here by 2025. Geely is also expected to head our way by then.
By the way, the Aiways name combines the Chinese world for love – Ai – with the English word way. Combine it and you get ‘love is on the way’… to Australia maybe.
