Avatr Targets UK Launch by 2025 with BMW X5-Sized Electric SUV

Avatr, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand owned by CATL, Changan, and Huawei, is planning to enter the UK market by the end of 2025. The company recently introduced its first right-hand drive model, the Avatr 11 SUV, in Thailand. The SUV will be manufactured at a new Changan factory in Thailand and exported to Europe.

Expanding Global Presence

Chen Zhuo, the President of Avatr, expressed confidence in building Thailand as a strategic base for the brand’s global expansion. The company aims to enter other Southeast Asian countries and the global right-hand drive market. Avatr already has a design studio in Munich and Changan has a sales and marketing base in Germany.

The Avatr 11 SUV

The Avatr 11 is expected to be the first model introduced in the UK. In Thailand, it will be available in two variants: a 90.4kWh model with a range of 245 miles, priced at ฿2.09m (£47,729), and a 116.8kWh model with a range of 420 miles, priced at ฿2.23m (£52,307). The SUV is based on Changan’s EP1 EV platform and features a 750V electrical architecture. It is powered by two electric motors developed by Huawei, delivering 570bhp and 479lb ft of torque.

The production of right-hand drive versions will initially take place in Chongqing, China, before shifting to Thailand in early 2023. The company plans to begin exporting the Avatr 11 shortly after.

Future Plans

In addition to the Avatr 11 SUV, Avatr intends to manufacture the Avatr 12 saloon and the smaller Avatr 7 SUV in Thailand using a knock-down (KD) process, with assemblies shipped from China. The emphasis on right-hand drive markets aligns with Changan’s increased research and development presence in the UK, including an engineering center in Birmingham.

Earlier this year, Changan announced its plans to introduce the Deepal brand to the UK, starting with the G318 off-roader, which will also be produced in Thailand.