On August 21, Avatr introduced “Kunlun,” its new range extender technology, alongside plans to launch a lineup of new pure electric and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) by year’s end.
According to its roadmap, Avatr plans to debut a mid-sized SUV, the Avatr 07, in the fourth quarter, offering both pure electric and range-extended powertrain options. As its third electric vehicle model, the Avatr 07 is set to hit the market this year, with deliveries expected by year-end. Additionally, range-extended versions of the Avatr 11 and 12 will also soon be available.
Avatr has laid out ambitious plans to expand its portfolio over the next three years, aiming to introduce sedans, mid- to large-sized five-seaters, large six-seaters, sports cars, and MPVs.
Kunlun will make its debut in the Avatr 07, with the goal of making the driving experience of REEVs indistinguishable from that of pure EVs.
Traditional REEVs often suffer significant power loss when the battery is low, impacting performance in demanding situations such as highway driving or climbing steep hills. To counter this, Avatr, in collaboration with Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), developed the 39-kilowatt-hour Shenxing battery, which reportedly maintains a peak discharge rate of 7.7C even at low battery levels, compared to 9C when fully charged. Even with low power, the Avatr 07’s range-extended model can still accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.
Noise, particularly at low speeds or while idling, is another drawback of traditional REEVs. Avatr addresses this with its HE 1.5T turbocharged engine, equipped with electronic oil pump technology and active piston control, which reduces cabin noise to just 35.7 decibels during idle charging.
Avatr also highlighted the efficiency of its turbocharged engine, emphasizing its thermal efficiency and fuel-to-electric conversion. Since the engine isn’t required to drive the vehicle directly, it features a smaller cylinder diameter compared to traditional engines of similar displacement. With enhanced fuel injection pressure and spark plug energy, thermal efficiency can reach 44.39%, allowing one liter of fuel to generate 3.63 kWh of electricity, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
In terms of recharging efficiency, Avatr’s REEVs are closing the gap with pure EV models. The Shenxing battery can charge from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes, boasting a peak charging rate of 3C.
This year’s sales figures suggest that Avatr needs range-extended models to drive growth. Previously, Avatr’s lineup included the Avatr 11 and 12, both pure EVs priced between RMB 250,000–400,000 (USD 35,080–56,130).
Despite backing from Huawei’s smart technology and CATL, the high-end pure EV market has been sluggish. In the first half of this year, Avatr sold only 29,030 units, with July sales remaining tepid at just 3,625 units.
With the introduction of range-extender technology, Avatr expects the new models to be more competitively priced. For example, the Avatr 12 range-extended version is expected to be priced between RMB 200,000–300,000 (USD 28,065–42,100).
While lowering the entry barrier with range-extended models, Avatr continues to maintain its luxury brand image through exclusive collaborations. On August 21, Avatr launched a limited edition Avatr 12 in partnership with Dior and Fendi’s artistic director Kim Jones, priced at RMB 700,000 (USD 98,225) with a global limit of 700 units. A top-tier “Royal Theater” version of the Avatr 11 and 12 will also be offered, priced at RMB 450,000 (USD 63,145).
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Li Anqi for 36Kr.