Make Way For Tesla’s Latest Rival; The China Nio X Peng Startup!

Chinese carmaker Chang'an Automobile Co. Ltd has debuted the high tech electric SUV-coupe Avatar E11 under its premium EV brand Avatar Technology.

Avatar Technology is the successor of the Chang’an-NIO joint venture and due to NIO’s financial troubles in 2018 and 2019, Chang’an became the main shareholder. Currently, Avatar Technology is 39 percent owned by Chang’an, and battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL) holds 24 percent, while various local national investment funds held the rest. Eventho NIO owns a tiny 1.13 percent stake, the company is no longer involved with the development of the brand and its vehicles.

Chang’an is now responsible for the overall design, development and production of AVATAR vehicles, while CATL develops the battery pack and related software. Meanwhile, Huawei, which is not a shareholder, develops the hardware and software for connectivity, infotainment system and intelligent driving. The trial production of AVATAR 11 has already started in the Chang’an factory in Chongqing.

The Avatar E11 is about 4,800 mm in length and it features a futuristic sporty look with smooth lines throughout the body. It is equipped with LED headlights, hidden door handles, LED taillights and many more.

Performance-wise, the Avatar E11 is able to complete the century sprint in under 4 seconds with a range of 700 km on a single charge.

The Avatar E11 is priced at RMB 300,000 (RM 198,736.23) with delivery expected for the third quarter next year. Avatar Technology plans to launch another three more models by 2025.