GAC Aion Prepares Toyota bZ3X Twin, Hybrid Version Available

KatadataOTO – After hybrid cars, GAC Aion is preparing their first product with Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) technology, namely the i60.

In terms of exterior design, GAC Aion i60 is a twin of the Toyota bZ3X, which was born as an electric car.

It should be noted, EREV is a system that works similarly to a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

This means the car can still consume gasoline and is equipped with an electric motor and a battery for additional power storage.

Photo : Carnewschina

However, in an EREV, the gasoline engine functions as a generator. The electric motor is the main driver.

EREV is an attractive option that has the various advantages of an electric car without having to fully rely on infrastructure like charging stations.

GAC Aion i60 EREV is positioned as a compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with dimensions of 4,685 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, 1,660 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,775 mm.

The model is equipped with a 1,500 cc engine with a peak power of 99 hp. It is also equipped with two electric motor options capable of producing 201 hp or 221 hp.

Meanwhile, the battery used is made of lithium-iron phosphate or LFP with a capacity of 29.195 kWh, offering a pure electric range of 160 kilometers.

There is no complete information yet regarding the comprehensive range of the GAC Aion i60. But for comparison, the EREV from the Hyptec series, the Hyptec HL, is said to offer a range of 1,369 kilometers (CLTC).

In Indonesia, Chinese manufacturers are also starting to liven up the PHEV hybrid car options. GAC is no exception.

GAC Aion is preparing the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) GAC Aion E9 PHEV which will be a challenger to the Toyota Alphard and Denza D9.

However, the GAC Aion i60 will also have an electric version, a twin of the Toyota bZ3X.

For the Indonesian market, it seems Toyota is not yet interested in bringing in the bZ3X because its production is still focused in China.

Photo : Carnewschina

The GAC Aion i60 could be a strong candidate for their new product in Indonesia in the future.

The car has the potential to add to the lineup of electrified 5-seater configuration SUVs, which is one of the public's favorites at the moment.

The price of the GAC Aion i60 is predicted to start from 115,800 yuan to 169,700 yuan. In rupiah, the figures are equivalent to Rp 271.6 million to Rp 398.1 million.