Aiways electric cars represent a bold entry into the global EV market. Founded in Shanghai in 2017 by Fu Qiang and Gu Feng, the company quickly rose as a challenger brand targeting SUVs with electric powertrains. While financial struggles forced Aiways to exit the Chinese market in 2024, the automaker has refocused on Europe and overseas expansion, positioning itself as a global EV contender.
Early Development and Growth
Aiways debuted its first production vehicle, the U5 SUV, in 2019, following the U5 Ion concept. In 2020, Aiways became the first Chinese EV maker to officially launch in Europe, with initial exports arriving in Corsica for Hertz rental fleets. By 2021, the company expanded its lineup with the U6 SUV Coupé, styled under Ferrari’s former designer Ken Okuyama.
The brand gained traction through unique strategies: delivering vehicles to Europe by rail instead of sea, reducing shipping time from six weeks to 16 days, and selling through non-traditional channels like Germany’s Euronics electronics chain.
Crisis and Restructuring
By 2023, Aiways faced severe financial difficulties, halting salaries and production. Management changes led to a major restructuring, with a decision to withdraw from China’s highly competitive EV market. In 2024, the company secured state-backed financing and announced a $400 million SPAC listing on Nasdaq with Hudson Acquisition. Aiways also revealed plans to shift its headquarters to Europe while keeping R&D and manufacturing in China.
Technology and Facilities
Aiways invested heavily in cutting-edge production and battery technology:
- Shangrao Production Base – ¥13.3 billion factory with 90% automation using ABB robotics, Siemens cloud systems, and Kuka assembly robots. Capacity: 300,000 vehicles annually.
- Changshu Battery Plant – produces Aiways’ patented sandwich-structure battery pack, enhancing safety by separating dry and wet battery layers.
- MAS Platform – modular platform underpinning the U5 and U6, adaptable for multiple powertrains.
The company integrates ADAS features as standard, including Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Forward Collision Warning.
Product Lineup
- Aiways U5 – Mid-size electric SUV, first launched in 2019. Updated in 2021 with a 63kWh battery and new features. Sold in Europe (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and others).
- Aiways U6 – Stylish SUV Coupé inspired by the U6 Ion concept, launched in China in 2021 and Europe in 2022.
- Concept Models – The U6 Ion and U7 Ion showcased futuristic mobility ideas, including movable consoles and AI-driven in-car robots.
Partnerships and Global Focus
Aiways collaborates with European suppliers like Bosch (steering), Benteler (body engineering), Autoneum and Grupo Antolin (interiors). In 2022, it secured a deal to supply up to 150,000 EVs to Thai mobility provider Phoenix EV, highlighting its growing international footprint.
Today, the company is focused on European markets and other overseas regions, betting on strong demand for mid-priced electric SUVs. With its planned Nasdaq listing and European headquarters relocation, Aiways aims to reinvent itself as a resilient global EV startup.
