Aiways U5 is first Chinese EV to get Europe-wide type approval

Aiways, a leading Chinese OEM, reportedly received a whole vehicle type approval (WVTA) for its U5 SUV model through German vehicle certification firm TÜV Rheinland. The WVTA certification makes it the first electric vehicle from a Chinese manufacturer that can be sold in the European Union.

"Thanks to the support of TÜV Rheinland, Aiways has received homologation in accordance with European specifications for the U5. The vehicle will be on sale in Europe from next year," said Samuel Fu of Aiways (source: TÜV Rheinland).

The Chinese Aiways U5 has a 63kWh battery and reportedly drives 460km “under comprehensive conditions”.  With an average energy consumption of about 18kWh/100km (educated guess), it will be closer to 400km under WLTP conditions.

China is coming

Last week we reported on the SAIC-owned formerly British brand MG coming back to Europe as an electric crossover maker. MG plays in a different segment: the ZS EV is a B-segment crossover, whereas the Aiways U5 is a medium-range C-segment SUV.

Also next year - but closer to 2021 - we should be seeing the first Byton M-Bytes in the port of Hamburg, Zeebrugge or Antwerp. Byton plays in the premium segment and should be seen as a competitor to the Tesla Model S.