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JD.com, GAC and CATL unveil an EV with 500km range and 99-second battery swap

globalchinaev

a day ago3 min read
JD.com, GAC and CATL unveil an EV with 500km range and 99-second battery swap
Source: JD.com

JD.com, GAC Group, and CATL have jointly announced the official name and feature set of their co-developed electric vehicle, the “Aion UT Super,” during a release in Beijing on October 22, 2025.

The launch marks the second phase of JD.com’s entry into China’s electric mobility segment, in partnership with GAC’s Aion division and CATL’s battery technology arm. The collaboration aims to define a new category of “national family cars” — EVs designed for accessible ownership and mass adoption.

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This is the same car that received a 7.82 million CNY (c. $1.09 million) bid from an anonymous bidder in China. The marketing stunt attracted 260,000 viewers and 20,000 bids.

Source: JD.com

The Aion UT Super is positioned in the compact crossover segment, offering a 2750mm wheelbase — typical of B-segment vehicles — with the interior volume of a higher class. JD.com described it as combining “A-class pricing with B-class space.” The model will be distributed primarily through JD.com’s online channels, integrating car purchases with its existing e-commerce platform.

Technically, the vehicle is equipped with CATL’s Qilin-based battery pack, supporting a 500km (311 miles) range and 99-second battery swap. It features a proprietary battery management system designed to monitor real-time cell health and extend usable range by approximately 10%.

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The Aion UT Super also incorporates Huawei’s cloud-based “Car as a Cloud” system — the first compact EV globally to do so. This platform synchronizes computing and storage between the car and the cloud to maintain stable app performance and prevent interface latency.

Safety features include an automatic braking function during reverse maneuvers when obstacles are detected, marketed as “Reverse Sentry.” The function engages automatic stop upon collision risk or unintended throttle input while reversing.

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Interior specifications emphasize passenger comfort, with 905mm of second-row legroom and 1385mm of horizontal cabin space, allowing full-width seating for three adults. The front seats can be folded flat to create a resting surface — a feature uncommon in vehicles of this class.

JD.com also plans to release limited seasonal exterior designs tied to its platform’s fashion lines, promoting the car as a customizable urban EV. While no pricing or delivery dates were disclosed, the model is expected to compete with other domestic compact EVs offering 400–500km ranges in the 100,000–150,000 CNY segment.

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