AIWAYS
ActiveOverview
Aiways is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer founded in 2017 that focuses on producing affordable, fully electric SUVs designed for everyday use. The company positions itself as a mobility innovator combining experienced automotive professionals with newcomers to the EV sector, operating manufacturing facilities in China with a European sales presence. Aiways targets the mass-market EV segment with vehicles emphasizing range, practicality, and accessibility rather than premium positioning.
History
Aiways was founded in 2017 by Chinese entrepreneurs Samuel Fu and Gu Feng in Shanghai with the mission to develop electric SUVs. The company unveiled the U5 Ion Concept prototype in November 2018, followed by the production U5 model. In April 2021, Aiways introduced the U6, a mid-size SUV coupe designed by former Ferrari stylist Ken Okuyama. The company faced significant financial difficulties in mid-2023 leading to production stoppages and management changes, after which leadership decided to refocus on European markets and withdraw from the domestic Chinese market.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Aiways U5 | Mass-market electric SUV | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| Aiways U6 | Mid-size electric SUV coupe | $30,000 - $40,000 |
Manufacturing
Aiways operates a highly automated manufacturing facility in Shangrao, China, engineered to Industry 4.0 standards with 90% automation using robotics from ABB and Kuka. The plant has an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. Battery packs are produced in-house at a dedicated factory in Changshu, China, with battery modules supplied by CATL, while the company develops battery electronics and electric motors internally.
Notable Products
- Aiways U5 - Fully electric SUV with 410 km WLTP range, 150 kW motor, 63 kWh battery, and 35-minute DC fast charging capability
- Aiways U6 - Mid-size electric SUV coupe with avant-garde design by Ken Okuyama, introduced in April 2021
- Aiways U5 Battery Pack - In-house developed 63 kWh battery system with 24 high-density modules and sandwich structure architecture
Reputation
Aiways is recognized as an innovative Chinese EV startup attempting to bring affordable electric vehicles to mass markets, particularly in Europe. The company demonstrates technical competence in battery development and manufacturing automation. However, the brand faces credibility challenges due to severe financial difficulties in 2023 that resulted in production halts and management upheaval, raising questions about long-term viability and execution capability in competitive markets.