Aito EV Brand Takes Aim at Tesla with New Semi-Autonomous SUV

Aito EV Brand Challenges Tesla's Market Dominance

Aito, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand linked with Huawei Technologies, is setting its sights on Tesla by launching the M9, a five-seat SUV featuring limited autonomous driving capabilities. This model represents a significant step for Huawei as it strives to penetrate mainland China’s automotive landscape.

M9 Model Specifications

The M9 starts at 469,800 yuan (approximately US$65,981) and reflects over a decade of Huawei’s technological evolution. As Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei's consumer business group, stated during the launch in Shenzhen, “Our goal is to enable more people to access the best and most affordable smart car technologies.”

Comparative Analysis with Tesla

In an effort to attract customers from Tesla's popular Model Y, the M9 can traverse the streets of mainland cities with the latest version of Huawei’s Advanced Driving System software. It is available in two variants: a pure-electric edition covering 630 km on a single charge and an extended-range model with 1,362 km range.

Market Dynamics and Future Prospects

Notably, the basic Tesla Model Y, manufactured in Shanghai, starts at 249,900 yuan, providing a considerable price advantage compared to the M9. Tesla anticipates testing its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in China by Q1 2025.

Aito's Growth Trajectory

Founded in 2021 through a partnership between Huawei and Seres, Aito has quickly evolved into one of mainland China’s fastest-growing EV brands. Recent data indicates Aito delivered 253,648 vehicles within the first eight months of this year, marking a 659.4 percent year-on-year growth, solidifying its position as the seventh-largest EV maker in terms of sales.