Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Avatr Technology, backed by CATL, Huawei, and Changan Automobile, is set to diversify its offerings by introducing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) models to its lineup. The move is aimed at tapping into a broader market segment and increasing overall sales.
Avatr President, Chen Zhuo, revealed the company’s plan in a video released late in December. The EV brand currently features the Avatr 11 SUV and Avatr 12 sedan, both battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The upcoming expansion includes the launch of two new models in 2024, codenamed E15 and E16.
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While Chen didn’t provide detailed insights into the EREV plans, it appears Avatr intends to introduce extended-range variants for its existing BEV models as well as the new ones scheduled for 2024. The decision aligns with the company’s strategy to cater to consumers in regions less conducive to pure BEVs, such as tier 3 and tier 4 cities and areas with harsh winter conditions.
Chen highlighted that EREVs offer a more user-friendly solution, particularly in regions like Xinjiang, where long distances between counties and range anxiety can be concerns for BEV users. The move by Avatr reflects a growing trend among Chinese EV startups to explore plug-in hybrids, including EREVs, to cater to a diverse set of consumer needs in the rapidly evolving electrification landscape.
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Initially co-founded by Changan and Nio in 2018, Avatr Technology has evolved independently, with Nio now holding less than a 1 percent stake in the venture. Avatr made its debut with the Avatr 11 in August 2022, with deliveries commencing in late December of the same year. The company’s strategic shift to include EREVs in its portfolio underscores the industry’s acknowledgment of the varied preferences and challenges in the electric vehicle market.
