A nearly 5-meter long ‘Chinese Porsche Macan’ with 571 horsepower: the world’s leading battery manufacturer, CATL, unveils its first electric SUV

19/10/2026 14:30

Updated to

19/10/2026 14:30

The world’s largest manufacturer of batteries for electric cars aims to strengthen its presence in the automotive industry. CATL, known for supplying batteries to numerous international brands, is working on a new SUV alongside Seres, the Chinese manufacturer that also collaborates with Huawei on producing Aito vehicles. The result of this partnership is the Aiva ME7, a fully electric car that has recently revealed much of its technical specifications ahead of its commercial launch.

The new model has appeared in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)’s latest catalog, a standard step before manufacturers can sell their vehicles in the Asian country. This documentation confirms that the Aiva ME7 will feature a large-sized body, 5 seats, and 2 mechanical configurations, with one or two electric motors. The most powerful version will deliver 571 horsepower, a significant figure for the first vehicle from this new brand.

Nearly 5 meters long with a Porsche-style body

The Aiva ME7 features an SUV-style body with a stylized silhouette and proportions typical of a large vehicle. According to the documentation submitted to Chinese authorities, it measures 4,999 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width, and between 1,616 and 1,626 mm in height, depending on the configuration. Its wheelbase reaches 3,050 mm, a figure that suggests a spacious interior and places the new model among the largest electric SUVs.

The images released show a body style very similar to that of an electric Porsche Macan, featuring smooth lines, a closed front end, and narrow headlights. At the rear, a horizontal light strip runs across most of the vehicle’s width, while the sloping roof line gives it a more sporty appearance compared to traditional SUVs. Among the customization options listed in the documentation are various tire designs, red brake calipers, and a black roof that allows for a two-tone body color scheme. There is also the possibility of adding a tow hitch with a declared towing capacity of 700 kg.

For now, the official information about the interior is considerably more limited. The MIIT documentation confirms that the Aiva ME7 will have 5 seats, but it does not detail its interior layout, screen sizes, or the materials that will be used. Nor have the capabilities of the trunk or any possible additional storage compartments been disclosed.

The list of optional equipment also includes ETC units for electronic toll payment, although the final technological specifications for the different trims are still unknown. Therefore, it will be necessary to wait until the official launch to find out how the comfort, connectivity, and driver assistance features will be distributed.

2 electric versions with up to 571 HP

The new Aiva ME7 will offer two powertrain configurations. The first will use a single electric motor located at the rear axle, manufactured by Chongqing Qingshan Industrial, with a maximum power of 367 HP. Above that will be a all-wheel-drive variant that adds a second front motor developed by Chongqing Jinkang Powertrain New Energy. The combined power will reach 571 HP, while both versions will have a declared top speed of 255 km/h. The battery will use lithium-ion ternary cells manufactured by CATL, although its capacity, certified range, and charging speed have not yet been disclosed.

No confirmed price or release date

Seres and CATL have also not announced the prices of the different versions nor specified the markets where it will be available initially. The project also reflects the growing industrial collaboration between the two companies. CATL launched two CTP 2.0 battery production lines at a Seres factory in June 2025, and recently the two firms agreed to accelerate the second phase of expanding these facilities. Once completed, the combined capacity is expected to exceed 20 GWh per year. The Aiva ME7 will thus be the first car from a brand backed by two companies with significant involvement in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, although some of its most important commercial details remain unknown.