WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Berhad (a Tan Chong Group company), is set to bring GAC's Aion electric vehicles (EVs) to Malaysia as the official distributor.

The question now is, who is Aion and which models can we expect in Malaysia?

Let’s begin with the former GAC Aion, established in 2017, operates under the umbrella of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) and focuses on the research, development, manufacture, and sales of EVs and related services in China. It serves as the EV division of GAC.

Which models can we expect in Malaysia?

In terms of models expected in Malaysia, GAC has designated Thailand as its regional hub for Aion EVs in right-hand drive markets. The Aion lineup in Thailand includes two models: the Aion Y Plus and the Aion ES (also known as Aion S Plus).

Aion Y Plus

The Aion Y Plus is an SUV that’s roughly the size of the Toyota Corolla Cross. Measuring 4,535 mm, 1,870 mm, 1,650 mm, and 2,750 mm in length, width, height, and wheelbase respectively. 

For context, the Toyota Corolla Cross spans 4,460 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,640 mm.

Two variants of the Aion Y Plus are offered in Thailand - 490 Elite and 490 Premium, priced at THB 969,000 (around RM 128k) and THB 1.299 million (around RM 145k) respectively.

It is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that outputs 204 PS and 225 Nm. Energy comes from a 63 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that provides a pure electric cruising range of 490 km (NEDC).

Aion ES/S Plus

The Aion ES (or S Plus) is the brand’s flagship electric sedan. It measures 4,810 mm, 1,880 mm, 1,545 mm, and 2,750 mm in length, width, height, and wheelbase respectively.

For reference, a Honda Civic is 4,678 mm long, 1,802 mm wide, 1,454 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,734 mm. The Aion ES’s length puts it closer to a Toyota Camry, while its wheelbase is closer to the Civic.

The Thai-spec Aion ES is powered by a single front-mounted motor that makes 136 PS and 225 Nm. It is juiced up by a 50.6-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery with a maximum range of 420 km (NEDC standard).

The EV supports AC charging of up to 6.6 kW which takes about 6 hours to charge from 0-100% while fast DC charging support, up to 75 kW, takes 40 minutes (0-80%).

Given that Thai buyers mostly stay away from sedans, the Aion ES is mainly targeted at taxi operators and is priced from THB 850,000 (around RM 112k).

Also read: GAC Aion ES EV to add some colour to Bangkok's taxi operators alongside Corolla Altis

Conclusion

It was announced that the launch of its first EV is anticipated in the first half of 2024. The Aion S Plus has been spotted in Malaysia, hinting at its potential introduction to the market.

The specific Aion EV that will be the first is anyone’s guess at the moment, but we reckon that it’ll be either the Aion S Plus or the Y Plus.

Also read: GAC Aion Y Plus confirmed to launch in 4 ASEAN markets - Thailand as regional hub

Further details are expected to unfold throughout the year. Stay tuned to WapCar.my for more updates on the Aion EVs.

Also read: GAC's Aion EVs are coming to Malaysia, Tan Chong signs distributor agreement