Avatr Technology

 

Avatr Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese: 阿维塔科技) is a Chinese luxury electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing. The company represents a unique strategic alliance between state-owned automaker Changan Automobile, technology giant Huawei, and the world’s leading battery manufacturer CATL. Positioned as a high-end Smart Electric Vehicle (SEV) brand, Avatr focuses on "Emotional Intelligence" through a fusion of futuristic design and advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

 

 

Corporate History

 

Transformation from Changan-NIO (2018–2021)

 

The company’s legal predecessor, Changan-NIO New Energy Automotive Technology, was established in July 2018 as a 50/50 joint venture between Changan Automobile and the EV startup NIO. The partnership was intended to co-develop premium EVs; however, due to NIO's strategic shifts and financial restructuring, the collaboration stalled. By 2020, NIO's stake was diluted to less than 5%, leading Changan to seek new strategic partners.

 

Formation of the CHN Alliance (2021–Present)

 

In May 2021, the entity was formally rebranded as Avatr Technology. In November of that year, the brand was officially launched alongside the announcement of the CHN platform—a collaborative ecosystem where:

 

• C (Changan): Handles vehicle engineering, manufacturing, and quality control.

• H (Huawei): Provides the "full-stack" smart car solution, including the HarmonyOS cockpit and the ADS (Advanced Driving System).

• N (NIO/CATL): Represented by CATL, which provides cutting-edge battery technology and energy management.

 

As of 2024, Changan remains the largest shareholder (~41%), followed by CATL (~14%). While Huawei does not hold direct equity in Avatr, it serves as the lead technology partner and recently deepened the tie by making Avatr a strategic shareholder in its automotive business unit, Newcool.

 

The CHN Technology Platform

 

All Avatr vehicles are built on the CHN Architecture, a modular platform specifically designed for high-performance smart electric vehicles. The platform integrates:

 

1. High-Voltage Architecture: Supporting 800V silicon carbide (SiC) systems for ultra-fast charging (up to 350+ km of range in 10 minutes).

2. Huawei Inside (HI): Integration of Huawei’s triple-LiDAR perception system and high-computing power (up to 400 TOPS) for Level 2+ and Level 3 autonomous driving.

3. Advanced Energy Systems: Exclusive use of CATL’s high-density batteries, including the Qilin and Shenxing series, known for their thermal stability and long-cycle life.

 

Design Philosophy

 

Avatr maintains a Global Design Center in Munich, Germany, led by Chief Design Officer Nader Faghihzadeh (former Lead Interior/Exterior Designer at BMW, known for the BMW 7-Series and i8). The brand’s design language is defined by "Bold Confidence" and "Futuristic Elegance," characterized by distinctive elements such as:

 

• The "E-Line" Light Signature: Multi-layered LED light strips.

• Unique Silhouettes: The absence of a traditional rear window in models like the Avatr 12, replaced by a streaming high-definition camera system.

• Emotional Interaction: The "HALO" display on the hood for external communication and an interior designed around a central "Vortex" aesthetic.

 

 

Model Lineup

 

• Avatr 11 (2022): A mid-to-large luxury coupe-SUV, the brand's debut model.

• Avatr 12 (2023): A luxury gran coupe (sedan) featuring a shooting-brake-inspired rear and a panoramic "Sky Screen" roof.

• Avatr 07 (2024): A mid-size SUV introducing the brand's first EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain alongside pure electric versions.

• Avatr 011/012: Limited-edition designer series created in collaboration with global fashion icons like Matthew M. Williams and Kim Jones.

 

Global Expansion

 

Following its domestic success in China, Avatr began its international expansion in 2024. The company has established a presence in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Singapore), the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Avatr aims to become a top-tier global player in the intelligent luxury segment by 2030.