Changan-owned electric vehicle unit Avatr has just announced plans to add four extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models to its product portfolio. CnEVPost further indicated the company’s plans to launch two new models as early as this year.
Plan details
According to the local report, Avatr will introduce two new models in 2024 to expand its current lineup with four EREVs.
The announcement reportedly came from Avatr President Chen Zhuo himself in a video released by the brand last December.
President Chen omitted to disclose more details about the EREV models. However, he seems to mean that Avatr plans to introduce EREV counterparts for the current two all-electric vehicle models and launch two new models this year.
The upcoming new models have internal codenames of E15 and E16, as per the previously announced plans.
Avatr’s current product lineup
For context, Avatr currently has two all-electric vehicle models in its lineup, including the Avatr 11 SUV and the Avatr 12 sedan.
The Avatr 11 is an all-electric coupe SUV introduced in late 2021 and went on sale starting August 2022. It rides on the EP1 platform to support Huawei’s Harmony operating system.
Meanwhile, the Avatr 12 hit the Chinese market with a maximum output of 578 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque for a base price of 300,800 yuan (41,265 USD). It enables a driving range of up to 700 km from its 94.5-kWh CATL NMC battery, as per Car News China.
EREVs’ growing popularity
Numerous Chinese tier 3 and tier 4 cities and northwest markets with extremely cold winters tend to be the less friendly backdrop for all-electric vehicles as low temperatures affect battery range.
Moreover, areas like the Xinjiang region are distant from other countries, potentially resulting in range anxiety among BEV drivers.
Therefore, Avatr decided to introduce new EREV models this year rather than BEVs.
“So offering the option of EREVs to users is actually more user-friendly.”
Avatr President Chen Zhuo
The majority of China’s earliest electric vehicle startups initially penetrated the BEV market. However, they later realized that plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), including EREVs, are ideal in the current phase of the e-mobility shift. That said, it is unsurprising that Avatr now aims to launch EREV counterparts for the 11 and 12 BEV models and launch all-new EREV products this year.
