Aion UT Super EV Unveiled For $5,400 With 99-Second Battery Swap

China has introduced a new contender in the affordable electric vehicle (EV) market: the Aion UT Super, a compact, fully electric car developed through a collaboration between GAC Group, CATL, and JD.com. Sold exclusively online through JD.com, the model aims to redefine the concept of low-cost and smart mobility.

The pricing strategy is one of its most attractive features. Consumers can either purchase the vehicle without a battery for about €5,000 (around $5,400) and pay a monthly battery rental of €50 (around $54), or buy both the car and the battery together for approximately €10,000 (around $10,800). This flexible ownership model is designed to make EV adoption more accessible to a broader audience.

In terms of design, the Aion UT Super retains the silhouette of the earlier 2020 Aion UT, featuring a hatchback body with a sporty, aerodynamic profile. Its front end displays four-point LED headlights and diagonal air intakes, giving it a youthful appearance. It is available in two color options—Monet Purple and Champs-Élysées Beige.

The vehicle measures 4.2 meters (13.8 ft) in length, 1.8 meters (5.9 ft) in width, and 1.57 meters (5.2 ft) in height, with a wheelbase of 2.7 meters (8.9 ft), ensuring a relatively spacious interior for a compact car.

Inside, the UT Super offers a minimalist and tech-forward cabin. It features an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, both integrated with Huawei Cloud technology. The system supports AI voice commands and is compatible with HarmonyOS, Apple, and Android platforms, providing a smooth and connected user experience.

Comfort and convenience are emphasized through front seats that recline up to 180 degrees, a 540° panoramic camera, parking sensors, and a six-speaker audio system.

Under the hood, the Aion UT Super is equipped with a 100 kW (134 hp) electric motor, powered by a CATL LFP battery, delivering a range of approximately 500 km (310 miles) under China’s CLTC testing cycle.

The most remarkable feature, however, is its battery-swapping capability—a technology that allows the battery to be replaced in just 99 seconds. This innovation could dramatically reduce charging downtime and make electric mobility far more practical, positioning China as a leader in the next phase of EV development.

Filed in Transportation. Read more about Electric Cars.