Huawei, CATL and Changan target Tesla Model Y with the sleek new Avatr 15

Chinese carmaker Avatr, a collaborative effort between Changan, Huawei, and CATL, is taking direct aim at Tesla's dominance in the electric SUV market. The company is set to launch the all-new Avatr 15 sometime in the latter half of 2024, a stylish and technologically advanced offering designed to lure SUV enthusiasts away from Tesla's popular Model Y.

The 15 will feature both pure electric and extended-range (EREV) versions, allowing buyers to choose the setup that best suits their needs. It embodies a fastback-inspired take on the SUV form, with a sporty, sculpted body ready to conquer urban jungles.

While Avatr may be a new name in many markets, the company has solid backing. Initially a partnership between Changan and Nio, the project evolved, with CATL – a battery manufacturing powerhouse – replacing Nio and then Huawei becoming a vital supplier. Changan retains a dominant stake in the venture, cementing the 15 SUV's roots in traditional automotive manufacturing.

This isn't Avatr's first foray into EVs. The 11 SUV and the sleek Avatr 12 represent its current lineup. The 15 looks to build on existing strengths by going head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y, a segment leader. At a length of about 187 inches, the Avatr 15 is positioned squarely in the mid-size SUV arena, competing against other Chinese rivals such as the Xpeng G6 and the BYD Song Plus.

Avatr's ambitions aren't limited to the Chinese market. The company has stated its intention for global expansion, with Thailand as a primary starting point and sights set on Europe and North America in the future.

While detailed specifications aren't yet available, leaked testing images show the SUV undergoing extreme cold-weather endurance in Inner Mongolia, China. This might suggest the model boasts robust capabilities for a wide range of environments. Further details will likely be released by the company closer to launch.

Source (Chinese)