The Avatr 12 EREV enters the Chinese market with up to 1,155 km of mixed range and a starting price of 269,900 yuan (37,900 USD). It has 310 hp and a sodium-containing Freevoy LFP battery from CATL.
Avatr was founded in 2018 as a joint venture between Changan and Nio. However, William Li’s company soon distanced itself from the JV due to financial reasons. Later, it was replaced by the world’s biggest EV battery maker, CATL. Another member of the Avatr project is Huawei. Although it has no shares in this JV, the Chinese IT giant acts as a key supplier.
Avatr’s bumpy road in China
Avatr started selling its first car in 2022. It was the Avatr 11 fastback SUV. In late 2023, the Avatr 12 electric liftback entered China as the brand’s second model. However, Avatr suffered from slow sales in China. In the first nine months of 2024, it sold 27,446 units. As a result, it reached only 27.4% of its annual sales target. It is 19.6% lower than the average sales goal achievement rate among Chinese NEV makers.
Avatr clearly needed a plan B to boost its domestic sales. And the CATL-backed brand bet on EREV technology that is getting more in-demand among Chinese buyers. In September, Avatr launched the 07 crossover available as BEV and EREV. On November 2, Avatr launched the EREV variant of the 12 liftback.
Avatr 12 EREV
The range-extended variant of the Avatr 12 remained the same design language as the electric model. It has a closed front end with two-storey LED running lights and high beams mounted in the front bumper. The sleek liftback has retractable door handles, a slanted roofline, and optional cameras instead of conventional side-view mirrors. The Avatr 12 has an extremely small rear glass. Its other features include a small retractable spoiler and two thin LED taillight units.
Dimensions of the Avatr 12 EREV are 5020/1999/1460 mm with a wheelbase of 3020 mm. It is a sizeable vehicle with a roomy interior. The range-extended Avatr 12 has five seats inside. This liftback has a large 35.4-inch screen that goes all the way through the center console. There is also a floating touch screen of 15.6 inches. The Avatr 12 EREV has 16 speakers as standard.
The powertrain of the Avatr 12’s EREV variant consists of a 1.5-liter ICE and an electric motor. The turbocharged internal combustion engine for 115 kW (154 hp) doesn’t transfer any torque to the wheels. Instead, it acts as a generator, sending power to a battery and an electric motor. The Avatr 12 EREV has a single e-motor in the rear axle for 231 kW (310 hp) and 367 Nm. It is suitable for a zero-to-hundred acceleration in 6.7 seconds.
The main feature of the Avatr 12 EREV is the CATL’s Freevoy battery pack. It has LFP chemistry with sodium elements that keep the pack low-temperature-durable. Its capacity reaches 39.05 kWh. The Avatr 12 EREV can drive up to 245 km (CLTC) at full charge. Its mixed range reaches 1,155 km. The Freevoy battery supports the 4C charging technology. It can charge 30-80% in 15 minutes.
The Avatr 12 EREV is available for purchase in two trim levels: Max and Ultra. The Ultra trim level offers air suspension, ventilated rear seats with a massage function, and 25 speakers. The price range of the Avatr 12 EREV is 269,900 – 299,900 yuan (37,900 – 42,100 USD).
2025 model year Avatr 12 EV
The all-electric Avatr 12 also got a minor update. It is available with RWD for 237 kW (318 hp) and 4WD for 402 kW (539 hp). It has a single battery option for 94.5 kWh ternary NMC battery for a 705-755 km range. The 2025 Avatr 12 BEV is available in five trim levels for 289,900 – 429,900 yuan (40,500 – 60,350 USD).
