The GAC Aion V EV could be a possible next launch from Warisan Tan Chong Automotif.
Back in May, Warisan Tan Chong Automotif (WTCA) introduced the GAC Aion Y, their first all-electric vehicle at just RM119,800. Now, GAC has introduced a new model that we think WTCA should seriously consider for our market. It’s the second generation Aion V and it managed to garner 10,000 orders in the first 80 minutes of being introduced to the Chinese market.
Its domestic appeal is not the main reason why we think it’ll work well in Malaysia. We actually think there’s much more to this car as it’s being touted as Aion’s first “global strategic model”, indicating it was engineered with the export market in mind.
So, what hard facts impress about this new Chinese EV? Well, for one its claimed range is 750km on the admittedly lenient CLTC. Still, even if you knock it back 20%, it’s still on the higher end of the spectrum for cars priced below RM150,000. And speaking of the pricing, this Aion V has a price tag of 129,800 yuan to 189,800 yuan, which converts to about RM83,500 to RM122,000. This makes its extremely appealing and an EV that could benefit from local assembly at either the Segambut or Serendah plant, which are currently under-utilized.
In terms of dimensions, CarNewsChina reports the GAC Aion V measures 4605mm in length, 1854mm in width and 1660mm in height with a 2775mm wheelbase. This makes is comparable to the BYD Atto 3, Malaysia’s favourite EV, in some ways.
There are 7 specifications for the Aion V with a Lidar trim option placing an Volvo-like Lidar sensor module on the roof. This also includes 5 millimeter wave radars, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars around the car along with an intelligent driving system powered by an NVIDIA Orin-X chip.
There are two electric motor options – 150kW/240Nm or 165kW/240Nm. It’s not particularly fast, but this model is clearly aimed at a mass market audience and doesn’t need to impress too much. Still, with a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds, it’s hardly slow.
There are a number of LiFePo battery capacity options ranging from around 62.27 kWh to 90.22 kWh and these return between 520km and 750km of range on a full charge. The AEP platform underpinning this vehicle has a 400V architecture which enables “370km to be recovered in 15 minutes”, though hard numbers might have been more helpful.
Inside, you can expect 5 comfy looking seats, dual wireless charging pads, ambient lighting, a 6.6L cooling/heating box, and an 8-speaker premium audio system a large 14.6″ central screen and a digital instrument cluster. The trunk volume is 427L and can be expanded to 987L with the rear seats folded.
