GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd., trading as GAC Aion (Chinese: 广汽埃安; pinyin: Guǎngqì Āiān), is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Guangzhou, China. A subsidiary of GAC Group, it was established in 2017 as GAC New Energy Automobile and adopted its current name in November 2020. The company produces battery electric vehicles under the Aion brand and the premium Hyptec brand.
| Website | aion.com.cn |
|---|
As of 2023, GAC Aion ranks as the third-largest battery electric vehicle brand globally, following Tesla and BYD Auto, with a production volume of 480,003 vehicles.[1]
History
2017–2020: Formation and Initial Growth
GAC Aion was founded on 28 July 2017 as a subsidiary of GAC Group, focused on developing connected new energy vehicles.[2] The Aion brand was introduced in 2018, and the first model, the Aion S, debuted at Auto Guangzhou in November 2018.[3] Over the following years, GAC Aion expanded its portfolio with new models, including the Aion LX, V, and Y.[4]
In November 2020, GAC New Energy was renamed GAC Aion, operating as an independent entity separate from other GAC operations.[5]
2021–2022: Technological Advancements and Expansion
In 2021, GAC Aion announced that the Aion V would feature a graphene battery, allowing an 8-minute charge from 0 to 80%, adding 70 kWh of charge.[6] Additionally, the company introduced its A480 charging station, a 480 kW, 1000 V system capable of delivering a 35.1 kWh charge (30-80%) in less than 5 minutes and a full 0-80% charge in 8 minutes.[7]
In July 2021, GAC Group announced a collaboration with Huawei to develop a medium-to-large electric SUV (AH8).[8]
In September 2022, GAC Aion unveiled a new brand logo and introduced Hyper (Chinese: 昊铂; pinyin: Hàobó) as a separate premium EV brand, launching its first model, the Hyper SSR.[9][10]
2023–Present: Rebranding and Global Expansion
In August 2024, GAC Aion rebranded Hyper to Hyptec in the global market.[11]
In October 2023, GAC Group took full ownership of GAC Mitsubishi’s Changsha plant, planning to repurpose it for Aion vehicles with an annual production capacity of 200,000 units from May 2024.[12]
Overseas Markets
- Thailand: Entered in September 2023 with the launch of the right-hand drive Aion Y Plus. Local assembly began in July 2024.[13][14]
- Mexico: Entered in November 2023 alongside other GAC Motor products.[15]
- Hong Kong: Entered in January 2024, with Malaysia previewing Aion vehicles.[16][17]
- Indonesia: Announced entry in April 2024 through a partnership with Indomobil Group, which will establish a local manufacturing plant.[18][1]
- Philippines: Entered in September 2024 under Dangdang New Energy Auto Service (Philippines) Ltd. Corp.
- Vietnam: Entered in October 2024.[19]
Products
Aion (Mass-Market EVs)
- Aion S
- Aion S Plus
- Aion S Max
- Aion RT
- Aion UT
- Aion V
- Aion Y Plus
- Aion LX Plus
Hyptec (Premium EVs)
- Hyptec SSR (hypercar, launched October 2023)[21][22]
- Hyptec GT (sedan, launched July 2023)[23]
- Hyptec HT (mid-size SUV coupe, launched November 2023)[24][25]
Joint Venture
Hycan
Hycan (Chinese: 合创; pinyin: Héchuàng) was initially a 2019 joint venture between GAC and Nio, known as GAC-Nio. The partnership produced:
- Hycan 007 (based on Aion LX)
- Hycan Z03 (based on Aion Y)
- Hycan A06
- Hycan V09
In 2021, the joint venture was renamed Hycan, with GAC Aion holding 20.54% of shares, while Pearl River Investment is the majority shareholder (68.56%).[27]
Sales
| Year | Global Sales |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 33,467 |
| 2020 | 59,595 |
| 2021 | 118,159 |
| 2022 | 271,161 |
| 2023 | 480,003 |
| 2024 | 374,884 |
References
[1] GAC Aion Reports 2023 Sales Figures
[2] GAC Aion’s History and Corporate Milestones
[3] Auto Guangzhou 2018: Aion S Unveiled
[4] GAC’s Expansion Plans and Aion Model Lineup
[5] GAC Aion Becomes Independent Operation
[6] Graphene Battery Technology in Aion V
[7] A480 Fast Charging Station Details
[8] Huawei and GAC Collaboration on AH8 SUV
[9] Hyper Brand Launch at GAC Aion
[10] Hyper SSR Electric Supercar Introduction
[11] Hyper Rebranded to Hyptec in 2024
[12] GAC Takes Full Ownership of Changsha Plant
[13] Thailand Market Entry Details
[14] Local Assembly in Thailand Begins
[15] GAC Aion Enters Mexico
[16] Hong Kong Market Entry
[17] Preview in Malaysia
[18] Partnership with Indomobil in Indonesia
[19] Vietnam Market Entry
[20] Hyptec Brand Introduction
[21] Hyptec SSR Production Details
[22] Hyptec GT Sedan Launch
[23] Hyptec HT SUV Coupe Launch
[24] Hycan Brand Overview
[25] Hycan Joint Venture with GAC Aion
[26] Global Sales Data for GAC Aion
