TECH INSIDER | AIWAYS U5
Low-cost, high-tech
Similar in footprint to a BMW X3, the U5 uses
Aiways’ own modular platform, prioritizing low
weight and maximum interior space. The
body-in-white comprises 52% aluminum and uses
as few components as possible, while the
patented paint process minimizes
preparation steps, cutting waste by 90%
and saving 3.6kg (8lbs) from the
vehicle. Klose points out that the U5
weighs 1,730kg (3,813lbs), while
similar products tip the scales at
more than two tons.
The powertrain comprises
a single-speed transmission,
invertor and electric motor,
18 // January 2020 // www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com
which produces 140kW peak power and 315Nm torque. With
a 16,000rpm maximum speed, the motor is smaller and
lighter than equivalent units, enabling the entire system to
fit into a city car and to be used for front, rear and four-wheel
drive applications. In the U5, it drives the front wheels.
Launch models will feature a 63kWh battery, packaged
under the cabin within reinforced sills. CATL supplies
the cells and modules, but Klose says the thermal
management system is Aiways’ own. The pack is
layered, separating the modules and cooling plate to
reduce the potential for short-circuits if it is damaged,
while a 15mm gap between the components and
protective under-body panel insulates the cells from
external conditions, minimizing seasonal variations
in range.
The U5 offers a 460km (285 mile) NEDC range,
helped by a low-drag body with a closed front end
and retracting door handles. There are two vents
below the headlights, one cooling the battery, the
other hiding a CCS port offering 6.6kW AC and 60kW DC
charging for Europe. A 36kWh variant, positioned beneath
the target priced €30,000-35,000 (US$33,000-39,000)
launch model, is also under development.
Despite global ambitions, China’s varied climate allowed
all testing to be done within the company’s home country.
More than 150 prototypes have been built at Jiading, and
Aiways is claiming 3.5 million kilometers of validation
testing, including setting a Guinness World Record for the
longest journey by an electric vehicle after driving 15,022
km (9,334 miles) on a route from China to Frankfurt,
Germany. It has also tested submerging the battery in
a meter of water for 24 hours, hot climate tests were
completed last year, and cold testing is underway in Bei’an,
northern China, reflecting a 300km (186 mile) real-world
range in sub-zero temperatures.
“We wanted to live on a tight budget – we have a tight
budget but we also wanted to avoid over-designing and
over-engineering the vehicle,” explains Klose. “It’s been
challenging every day but, because we are so new, we
can do whatever we want. We don’t have to take care of
anything that’s a legacy.”
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2. Over 3.5 million
kilometers of validation
testing has been conducted
3. The U5 e-drive system
produces 140kW of peak
power and 315Nm torque
4. Dr Alexander Klose,
director of overseas
operations for Aiways
/www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com