Younger EV startup Avatr seems to be the most recent Chinese language automaker sharing plans to broaden to new markets in Europe. Following the debut of its second-ever EV mannequin the 12 (pronounced “one-two”), Avatr – backed by large tech names like CATL, Huawei, and Changan – won’t solely promote its EVs in Europe but in addition intends to construct them there too.

Avatr Expertise is an EV startup based in 2018 that started as a Chinese language three way partnership between NIO and state-owned Changan Car earlier than the previous transferred its whole stake over to the latter in 2020.

Along with Changan, Avatr is now additionally backed by the world’s largest battery producer CATL, and electronics manufacturing powerhouse Huawei. the three way partnership debuted its first EV mannequin, the 11 (“one-one”) SUV in late 2021 earlier than happening sale in China final yr.

The startup has since promised to launch three further new fashions over the course of the following three years, which continued this week at IAA Mobility in Munich – Europe’s largest auto present. Avatr not solely debuted its second mannequin – a fastback sedan known as the 12, but in addition shared particulars about promoting its EVs in Europe.

Avatr to convey EV manufacturing to EU, which fashions TBD

Earlier this week, Avatr pulled the sheet off the 12 sedan (seen above), which though might be inbuilt China by three inherently Chinese language firms, was designed on the firm’s studio in Munich alongside its 11 SUV sibling.

In response to Avatr CEO Tan Benhong, the startup could broaden past mere design in Europe and is exploring native manufacturing to help plans to enter new markets abroad throughout the subsequent two years. Benhong elaborated by saying Avatr is particularly focusing on the premium market in Europe and particularly known as out BMW as a competitor by itself turf in Munich.

Avatr’s chief wouldn’t focus on what automobiles would possibly make their method over to Europe first, however with two extra EVs in its improvement pipeline, the startup ought to have three if not 4 to select from if and when it does really enter new markets within the EU.

For now, the main focus will stay on the brand new 12 sedan, which seems to have taken some design inspiration from the Tesla Mannequin 3 – at the very least on the entrance and steering wheel controls (see picture above). The fastback sits atop the identical CHN platform because the 11 SUV and options HarmonyOS 4.0 from Huawei as CATL EV batteries.

Avatr has already confirmed it will likely be one of many first automakers to implement CATL’s new fast-charging ShenXing LFP cells, however has not confirmed they are going to be within the 12 sedan. CATL additionally not too long ago introduced plans for manufacturing in Europe for that particular battery expertise, which might additional help Avatr within the coming years ought to it search an EU plant.

Electrek’s Take

It is a younger firm so we’ll reduce them some slack, however in seeing the 12 up shut, it appears like a replica of a replica of a Tesla – frequent design apply in China for some. We have now seen different automakers begin the identical method and discover their very own design language, however proper now Avatr simply looks like one more Chinese language automaker increasing from one saturated EV market to try to compete on a continent stuffed with legacy automakers with none model id. That’s robust.

Having software program help from Huawei and battery tech from CATL gives a deep breath of optimism for this startup nonetheless, particularly if the 12 or any Avatr EVs past characteristic the ShenXing batteries and the charging speeds being touted.

I’ll regulate this one, however really feel Avatr might want to step up its sport (and its id) if it desires to really compete in Europe. Subsequent step for me might be attempting to get behind the wheel of 1 and see if my perspective adjustments. Will work on it!