Chinese EV Startups Are Targeting Europe, But Will You Be A Customer?

Aiways and Byton are two Chinese EV startups that are currently targeting Europe with their fully electric crossovers, the U5 and the M-Byte, respectively.

The Aiways U5 will be available through an online subscription model, with first deliveries said to be taking place this August. According to the company, sales for the U5 will commence in Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland, with other markets to follow.

Powering the U5 is a 140 kW (197 HP) electric drivetrain, promising a range of more than 248 miles (400 km).

Read Also: Byton Can Legally Sell Cars In US, $45,000 M-Byte EV Crossover Coming In 2021

Byton meanwhile will launch its M-Byte EV crossover in Germany, Switzerland, Norway, France, the Netherlands and Sweden in the second half of 2021, trailing its rival by roughly a year. Pricing for the M-Byte will start at around €45,000 ($51,000), without value-added tax or any possible government subsidies.

Power comes from a 72 kWh battery and a rear-mounted electric motor, deploying a peak output of 272 HP and a range of up to 223 miles (360 km). Both Byton and Aiways have secured deals with retail and service partners in several European countries, as reported by Autonews Europe.

Am I really buying either of the two?

Unless price is no issue, the answer is probably yes. At €45,000, the Byton M-Byte for example is roughly €13,000 cheaper to purchase than a Tesla Model Y in Germany. Meanwhile, something like an Audi e-tron will set you back nearly €70,000.

So unless your idea of an EV people hauler for Europe is something like Dacia’s upcoming Renault City K-ZE-based crossover or the Hyundai Kona Electric, you might need to consider what Byton and Aiways are selling.