Aiways begins order-taking in Europe for its U5 electric SUV

By CARSIFU | 2 April 2020


SHANGHAI: Aiways, a China-based personal mobility provider, announced that it will begin order-taking for its all-electric U5 mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) for the European market at the end of April.

Orders will require a small secured deposit after which the SUV will be delivered directly to the customer via its direct-to-customer sales model rather than retailed or leased through traditional brick and mortar dealerships.

Aiways U5 electric SUV - 04


European pre-sale markets and the required deposit amount will be announced by the company within this month for this electric SUV that's been given a three out of the full five-star crash rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP).

Meanwhile, the company has re-started production of its U5 at its manufacturing facility in Shangrao, China, following the interruption caused by the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The company has added on its website that it will have the ability to provide up to an estimated 500km of range and be able to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 9.0 seconds before reaching a top speed of 150kph.

Aiways U5 electric SUV - 06


The electric motor is said to be capable of producing 190PS and 315Nm of torque - all sent to the front wheels while being served its electric charge from a 63kWh battery that's assumed to be a lithium-ion type.

The 1,750kg mid-sized electric SUV comes in measuring 4,680mm-long, 1,865mm-wide and 1,700mm-tall - all while having a 2,800mm wheelbase and a 432-litre boot that's expandable to 1,555-litres.

Production of the European-specced U5 will start in July, with the first deliveries planned in August and looks to be priced at an estimated 35,000 euros for Germany and The Netherlands, while it will cost just 28,000 euros for those in the UK.

Aiways U5 electric SUV - 08


Making the most of its agility and flexibility as a startup, the company is adapting its pre-sale marketing activities to better suit the enforced period of ‘contactless’ retail because of Covid-19.

By introducing new online platforms and seamless digital experiences, the company will give European car buyers the confidence to order the U5 online.

“Online pre-sales represents the next important phase of Aiways' entry into the European market. It’s our promise to customers that for only a small deposit they can be among the first to receive the U5 and start enjoying the benefits of a long-range, high-tech and well equipped electric SUV,” said Aiways executive vice president of overseas operation Alexander Klose.

Aiways U5 electric SUV - 02


Keywords