Avatr, an electric vehicle (EV) startup with substantial investment from top-tier Chinese tech companies, has its sights set on a European debut within the next two. Avatr stands as a collaborative venture involving the state-owned automaker Changan, global battery leader CATL, and tech giant Huawei. It was initially founded as a partnership between Changan and Nio, with Nio subsequently transferring its ownership stake to Changan in 2020.
During the 2023 IAA Mobility auto show in Munich, Avatr unveiled its latest offering, the 12 (pronounced “one two”), a sizeable electric sedan. Both the sedan and the company’s inaugural model, the 11 SUV, were crafted at its Munich design studio. The company is yet to finalize its choice of models for the European market.
Avatr has committed to launching four models within four years, a goal it is currently poised to achieve, having commenced sales of the 11 in 2022. The company has its sights set on the premium market, positioning itself as a competitor to established brands like BMW.
The 12 shares the same CHN platform as the 11 and incorporates the HarmonyOS 4.0 operating system and ADS 2.0 driver assistance technology from Huawei. It will also feature CATL batteries, with specific specifications to be disclosed closer to the car’s October launch in China.
In August, Avatr announced its intention to become one of the pioneer automakers to adopt CATL’s groundbreaking Shenxing Superfast Charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This technology claims to offer a remarkable 400 km range with just 10 minutes of charging.
Currently, the 11 SUV utilizes a CATL battery capable of adding 200 km of range in just 10 minutes of charging. The 11 boasts an impressive single-charge range of up to 705 km (438 miles). Avatr faces a formidable challenge as it ventures into the European market, where consumers have long been accustomed to the dominance of German automotive brands.
The question of whether Avatr’s presence will be fleeting or enduring remains uncertain, and only time will provide the answer.
