Huawei-supported Aito initiates presale of M8 BEV version, with official launch in August
The electric vehicle (EV) market in China is heating up with the upcoming launches of the Aito M8 BEV, Li Auto i8, and Onvo L90. These three electric SUVs are set to compete in the premium segment, each offering unique features and advantages.
Firstly, Li Auto is set to launch its first electric SUV, the Li i8, on July 29. This will be preceded by the official launch of the Aito M8 BEV in August. Interestingly, the Aito M8 has already received over 80,000 orders just one month after its launch, demonstrating strong demand for the brand's offerings.
The Aito M8 BEV will be built on Huawei's 800-volt high-voltage platform and come standard with a 100-kWh battery pack from CATL. It is expected to offer a CLTC range of up to 705 kilometers, making it a strong contender in terms of range. Aito M8 BEV pre-order customers will receive a RMB 5,000 discount and a free purple exterior worth RMB 8,000.
The Aito M8 BEV will debut the industry's first Huawei DriveONE seven-in-one electric drive with dual redundant power supply. This advanced electric drive system is expected to save 30 percent of the cabin and trunk space and support safety redundancy for higher levels of assisted driving. The Aito M8 BEV is equipped with Huawei's 192-channel LiDAR, one rear-facing high-precision solid-state LiDAR, and five 4D millimeter-wave radars.
The Aito M8 BEV has a starting price of RMB 378,000, making it the most expensive among the three models. However, it is positioned as a premium offering with advanced Huawei-driven EV technology.
On the other hand, the Li Auto i8 is priced between RMB 350,000 and RMB 400,000. It has a 97.8 kWh ternary lithium battery, supports 5C charging, and offers an official CLTC range up to 720 km. Li Auto emphasizes its extensive charging infrastructure with over 2,883 supercharging stations in China.
The Onvo L90, set to be launched on July 31, is the most affordable among the three with a pre-sale price of RMB 279,900, including the battery pack. It comes standard with an 85 kWh ternary lithium battery and a 605 km CLTC range. Onvo benefits from Nio’s battery swap network (3,402 swap stations) plus supercharging (2,890 stations) and destination chargers (1,777 stations), offering versatile charging options.
In terms of dimensions, the Onvo L90 measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,998 mm in width, and 1,786 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. The Li Auto i8 measures 5,085 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,740 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm. The Aito M8 BEV dimensions are less specified in sources but it competes in the same segment.
Each of these electric SUVs offers unique selling points. The Onvo L90 competes aggressively on price and battery swapping convenience, Li Auto i8 targets longer range and built-out supercharging, while the Aito M8 BEV offers premium pricing tied to advanced Huawei-driven EV technology and a slightly larger battery pack. Buyers in this segment will weigh cost, range, technology, and infrastructure support among these three SUVs.
The competition between these electric SUVs is expected to intensify in the coming months, with each manufacturer aiming to capture a significant share of the premium EV market in China.
- The electric vehicle (EV) industry in China is witnessing an intense competition with the upcoming launches of the Aito M8 BEV, Li Auto i8, and Onvo L90, all vying for a place in the premium segment.
- These EVs offer unique features; the Aito M8 BEV comes with Huawei's advanced DriveONE electric drive system, while the Li Auto i8 emphasizes its extensive charging infrastructure and longer range.
- The Onvo L90 stands out by offering competitive pricing and the convenience of battery swapping, courtesy of Nio’s network.
- Li Auto is set to launch its first EV, the Li i8, on July 29, followed by the Aito M8 BEV in August. Pre-orders for the M8 have already reached over 80,000 units.
- The Aito M8 BEV will boast a CLTC range of up to 705 kilometers, thanks to its 100-kWh battery pack from CATL. Pre-order customers will receive a RMB 5,000 discount and a free purple exterior.
- The Li Auto i8, priced between RMB 350,000 and RMB 400,000, offers a CLTC range up to 720 km and supports 5C charging.
- The Onvo L90, launching on July 31, is the most affordable of the three, with a pre-sale price of RMB 279,900, including the battery pack. It offers a CLTC range of 605 km with a standard 85 kWh ternary lithium battery.
- The automotive technology landscape in China is shifting as these EVs redefine mobility, blurring the lines between finance, industry, transportation, and lifestyle.
- As these electric SUVs hit the market, the race for capturing a significant share of the premium EV market in China is expected to intensify, with each manufacturer showcasing their unique selling points.
