Aiways U5
Hello, electric car lovers! In this blog, I cover all the latest tech news surrounding electric cars. I cover the background, feel and drive, the current selling price, and the specs and engineering that go into making each car. If you have an electric car that you’d like me to cover let me know in the comments below. In today's article, I’m reviewing the new Aiways U5. I’ll be covering the most important features to see whether it crushes the competition or not with its interesting exterior design. Oh, and one more thing before I start - Will the kids of the next generation look at us and say - you're so old that your first car wasn't electric!
Okkaayyyy... Now back to the article.
Background
Aiways is not a random Chinese brand, as one would assume from afar. This start-up with a capital of 1.67 billion euros, situated in Shanghai, was founded by two co-founders with comprehensive CVs: the first, Fu Quian, was Volvo's sales director in China. Gu Feng, the second, was the CFO of SAIC Motor, one of China's leading automakers. Aiways wants to launch several versions based on its modular aluminum MAS platform in addition to the U5. This will allow up to 15 distinct cars to be offered, including an Aiways U6 sports coupe towards the end of the year, followed by the Aiways U7.
The U5, the first model from the startup firm Aiways, is now available. This little electric SUV is distinguished by its clean design and a distribution approach that is solely online. The Aiways U5 is a battery-powered all-electric compact crossover SUV produced by the Chinese firm Aiways. This is the manufacturer's first car model. At the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, the production model of the U5 was presented. The automobile was first shown in 2018 as the Aiways U5 ion Concept. The Aiways U5 is manufactured in the company's factory located outside of Shangrao, China. This one has a manufacturing capacity of 300,000 automobiles, all of which are 100% electric. To conclude this brand presentation, know that Aiways employs 2,000 people, most of whom work in research and design studios situated in China, but also in Germany and Denmark.
At the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, a concept car that foreshadowed the U5 SUV was also unveiled. At the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the production version will be unveiled. Its manufacture began in China towards the end of 2019, and it will be available in Europe starting in April 2020. Aiways stated in December 2019 that its facility in Shangrao will begin producing Aiways U5 models for Europe. Due to the Lockdown, the European version of the U5 was supposed to be unveiled at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show, but it was canceled.
Design and Engineering
Built to appear in the family SUV category, this 100% electric model is 4.68 meters long. It is 1.86 meters wide excluding mirrors and is rather high with 1.70 m at the top of the roof. Allocating 5 real seats on board, the U5 communicates on a trunk volume of 432 liters, or 1,555 liters with the bench folded down. It also has a front trunk.
With its distinctive design that separates, the Aiways U5 attracts attention from the get-go, and that's the least I can say about it. While the back bumper is uncluttered and retains its present configuration, the same cannot be said about the front bumper. The enormous grille extends forward and is framed by two artificial air inlets, each of which is topped by a tapering light fixture. The Aiway U5 charging socket is positioned next to one of these two air inlets, on the other side of the wall. Because of its exposure to dirt and the fact that it necessitates bending down to find the Combo CCS connector, this is not the optimum location for this connector. The external design of the U5 has been optimized for aerodynamics, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.29.
The profile is defined by the receding roof line and retractable door handles, which are far more practical than those seen on, for example, the Tesla Model 3. However, the outside appearance of the U5 was updated in 2021, although the overall proportions will remain the same. In the past, Aiways has described the design as a "link between contemporary artistry and technological advancement for the future."
Interior
Aiways impresses on board with a perceived quality that I did not anticipate from a Chinese company unfamiliar to us. It's simple: the Aiway U5 appears to be capable of competing with expensive versions at first appearance. The assemblies appear to be in perfect condition, and only a closer inspection shows the existence of the necessary hard plastics. However, Aiways had the brilliant idea of combining them with foamed surfaces and felt, such as on the tops of the doors and the dashboard. As a result, the inside is warm and inviting, especially with the white finish.
Another pleasant surprise is the Aiways U5's large inside, which is unusual for a compact SUV. A sense that is heightened by the panoramic roof, which floods the whole cabin with light, but particularly the rear seats. According to test riders, they are also well-equipped in terms of knee room, so much so that it nearly seems like a limousine, with less reclining and massaging chairs. Despite the amount of room available to passengers, the Aiways U5 still offers a large 432-liter trunk. Lifting the floor and removing the polystyrene cover will allow you to cheat a bit more. The latter hides a vast extra place where you may store the charging cords, as well as a few other items if needed. A second "trunk" (the famed "frunk") is also inserted at the front, but it is shallow. Just above the charging door in the front bumper, you may again stow any accessories or wires that will be easily accessible. The absence of a glove box is another remarkable feature of the Aiways U5. To hang luggage, there are just two little hooks built in, so you'll have to rely on the storage compartments in the doors or under the center console. Nonetheless, the latter is considered as being difficult to reach. The ultra-modern interior is based on a rectilinear style. The counters are 100% digital, with the central . However, if it includes Apple Car, it is not compatible with Android Auto. The AIways U5 also incorporates front and rear USB sockets. The Aiways U5 comes in two versions, one of which is a premium model with leather upholstery and brushed metal on the dashboard.
The Aiways U5 comes standard with a lot of features and relatively few alternatives. As a result, both the Standard and Premium variants include three touch displays. The first is a 100 percent electronic instrument panel positioned behind the steering wheel. This is split into three displays, with two side windows for less important information and a center section for driving-related information (speed, remaining range, percentage of charge, driving mode).
The Aiways U5's primary screen houses all of the infotainment features. It has a reasonable size and a matte finish on the panel, as well as an appropriate definition. The panoramic glass roof is practical for giving unmistakable reading even in direct sunshine. To avoid any spoilers, the interface is also extremely effective, with a primary display that gathers together the important parts and a well-thought-out tree structure that allows you to collect your marks in a matter of minutes.
Performance
Powered by a 125 kW permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor unit installed on the front axle, the AIways U5 develops up to 315 Nm of torque. The SUV weighs a total of 1,750 kg, including batteries. In terms of performance, the manufacturer promises a 0 to 60 miles in 9.1 seconds. The top speed of the Aiways U5 is 93 mph.
Battery Life
Aiways has received a patent for a battery pack with a "sandwich" shape that is made up of 24 high-energy-density modules supplied by CATL. It contains many layers that serve to isolate the moist (cooling plate) and dry (battery module) regions of the cell from one another. Improved heating and cooling in the cell result in increased capacity (63kWh) and range due to the improved heating and cooling. It is also theoretically safer in the event of a collision since the moist and dry sections cannot combine and generate a short circuit, as is the case with other structures.
Made up of cells supplied by the CATL group, the battery pack was assembled directly by the Aiways teams. With a capacity of 63 kWh, it provides 238 miles of range on a single charge. It thus consumes 17.4 kWh per 62 miles, according to the WLTP cycle. The brand offers an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty for the batteries, as well as the engine.
Discreetly housed at the front left of the vehicle, the charging port accepts up to 6.6 kW of alternating current, which can be recharged in about 10 hours via a wall box. With DC fast charging, the system can ramp up to 90 kW at 20-80% charge in 35 minutes.
Price and Modal Range
The firm has played the card of simplicity for its launch in France, as it has in other markets. As a result, the Aiways U5 has a single engine and battery layout. Additionally, the car is only offered in two trim levels: Standard and Premium. Both have the exact same technical specifications. The two-tone 19-inch rims (17 inches for the Standard), the black or white leather upholstery, the air conditioning control screen, the heated front seats, the parking assists, or the panoramic roof are all features of the standard model.
The standard Aiways U5 costs $45,000 before the environmental incentive,
While the premium version costs $47,000.
Electric vehicles, such as the Aiways U5, contribute to environmental protection by reducing noise and hazardous pollutants. As a result, the U5 is eligible for an environmental bonus of up to $10,480 in Germany, for example (including VAT).
Subsidies are conditional on a variety of factors and vary by nation. As a result, please familiarize yourself with local subsidies and any constraints that may apply in your country. As a result, the cost of electric vehicles falls dramatically, making the Aiways U5 incredibly appealing.
This wraps up my review of the Aiways U5, let me know what you think of it. Thank you for sticking it out through to the very end of this article! Nothing helps out my blog more than y’all reading the entire article. These articles take a long time to make and are a labor of love. If you would like to see my blog grow, please help spread the word and until next time, remember, It’s about the journey, not the destination.