Cheaper Aion UT coming to Australia

GAC will introduce a cheaper, shorter-range version of its Aion UT electric hatchback to Australia before the end of this year, potentially pushing the Chinese brand deeper into the increasingly competitive sub-$30,000 EV market.

Confirmed for local arrival in late 2026, the new entry-level Aion UT will feature a smaller 44kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offering up to 320km of WLTP driving range.

Pricing and full specifications remain under wraps, but GAC Australia has confirmed the newcomer will undercut the existing Aion UT, currently priced from $31,990 driveaway nationwide.

That could position the new variant closer to the Geely EX2 Complete ($26,490 plus on-road costs), BYD Atto 1 ($23,990 + ORCs), and BYD Dolphin ($29,990 + ORCs), while potentially undercutting the MG4 Urban ($31,990 + ORCs).

The new Aion UT will use GAC’s 44kWh Magazine Battery 2.0 pack, which the manufacturer says was developed with a strong emphasis on battery safety.

Its 320km WLTP range compares with 430km from the 60kWh battery fitted to existing Australian Aion UT variants.

GAC has not confirmed whether the smaller battery will be accompanied by a reduction in motor output or other specification changes.

The 44kWh battery is already available with the Aion UT in China, where it is paired with a 100kW/145Nm electric motor. Existing Australian versions use a more powerful 150kW/210Nm motor.

The new variant’s 320km claimed range also compares favourably with the entry-level Geely EX2 Complete, which offers 252km WLTP from its 35.35kWh LFP battery.

GAC Australia CEO Kevin Shu said the additional Aion UT variant was developed in response to demand for more affordable electric vehicles.

“GAC is committed to delivering products that are tailored to the needs of Australian consumers, and in this instance, the call for more accessible entry-level EVs was particularly strong,” he said.

“With its innovative powertrain technologies, distinctive European-influenced design, and a generously spacious interior that defies its compact exterior footprint, I am confident the short-range Aion UT will be a leading option not just for those considering their first EV, but also those looking for their first car.”

The Aion UT joined GAC’s Australian range in April this year and was the fourth model introduced locally following the Chinese manufacturer’s November 2025 launch with the Emzoom small SUV, Aion V electric mid-size SUV, and M8 plug-in hybrid people mover.

GAC has significant expansion plans for Australia, with at least 10 additional models under consideration as it builds its presence in one of the world’s most competitive new-vehicle markets.

Future additions could include the S7 large SUV, while the company has also confirmed plans to introduce a dual-cab utility vehicle to Australia in 2027.

Further pricing and specification details for the 44kWh Aion UT will be announced closer to its late-2026 Australian launch.