The GAC Aion LX Plus is an ell-electric SUV with 1000 kms of range

GAC has continued its ascent as one of the premier automakers in Asia. Its Aion sub-brand has played a massive role in this meteoric rise, and now it has come out with one of the most exciting vehicles in recent memory.

The GAC Aion LX Plus is a fully-electric SUV that promises an NEDC-rated range of around 621 miles or over 1000 km. It's a barrier that not many car manufacturers have broken, and if the LX Plus lives up to its promise, it could be an electric vehicle (EV) to watch over the next year.

GAC Aion has previously aimed to deliver an EV that tops 1000 km in range. It was the Aion V, and many sought after that car, but the GAC website currently only shows options with up to 702 km of range.

Reports from China have indicated that the LX Plus has reached the final step before shipping out to China and possibly other markets. The EV has reportedly moved past the product announcement phase at China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

The product announcement has also revealed some of the EV's key specs. Documents show a 144.4 kWh ternary lithium battery pack with an energy density of  205 Wh/kg. 

The higher energy density is made possible by GAC's silicon sponge technology, which has reduced battery size and overall weight by 20% and 14%, respectively. These improvements combine to extend the LX Plus' range considerably over the base model LX. 

Further details are limited, but GAC Aion could reveal more at the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show on November 19. As for a local release, things seem bleak. The Philippines lacks the charging infrastructure and legislative support to bring EVs to the fray. For now, we'll have to make do with GAC's current offerings. The good news is, we've heard that GAC Philippines plans to unveil its first electric model soon.