Photo: Aiways
The Chinese-built Aiways U5 electric SUV is coming to Europe. And it does this not by being shipped by sea or air, but in the good old fashion way: wheels on the tarmac, driver’s eyes on the road and the odometer spinning.
In 2020, the SUV will become the first ever Chinese electric SUV to sell in mainland Europe. But before it does, the car will take on a monumental challenge this summer, embarking on what is likely to be the longest point-to-point drive of a prototype electric vehicle ever attempted.
In mid-July, the car will set off from Xi-an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, one of the country’s oldest cities (its roots go back to the 11th century BC) and the historical starting point of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that linked Asia to Europe.
The trip, spanning for 14,231 km (8,843 miles), will end in September somewhere in Europe. The exact destination and route were not announced.
On its trip, which is part of the car’s test program, the U5 will pass through the most diverse of landscapes imaginable, and will be subjected to all sorts of temperatures. The biggest challenge however will be recharging it.
Powered by a 63 kWh battery, the SUV has a total range of about 460 km (285 miles). That means it will have to be plugged in roughly 31 times during the drive.
"Aiways is pushing the U5 to its limits to ensure it delivers the real-world performance, reliability and range demanded by European consumers,” the company said in a statement.
“The engineering team will also explore how simple and easy it is to live with the U5, driving and recharging as they pass through numerous countries where temperatures, road conditions and available charging infrastructures differ considerably.”
The car was shown for the first time publicly at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It will enter the European market next year. The price of the car has not yet been disclosed.
In mid-July, the car will set off from Xi-an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, one of the country’s oldest cities (its roots go back to the 11th century BC) and the historical starting point of the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that linked Asia to Europe.
The trip, spanning for 14,231 km (8,843 miles), will end in September somewhere in Europe. The exact destination and route were not announced.
On its trip, which is part of the car’s test program, the U5 will pass through the most diverse of landscapes imaginable, and will be subjected to all sorts of temperatures. The biggest challenge however will be recharging it.
Powered by a 63 kWh battery, the SUV has a total range of about 460 km (285 miles). That means it will have to be plugged in roughly 31 times during the drive.
"Aiways is pushing the U5 to its limits to ensure it delivers the real-world performance, reliability and range demanded by European consumers,” the company said in a statement.
“The engineering team will also explore how simple and easy it is to live with the U5, driving and recharging as they pass through numerous countries where temperatures, road conditions and available charging infrastructures differ considerably.”
The car was shown for the first time publicly at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It will enter the European market next year. The price of the car has not yet been disclosed.
Google News