On August 19, GAC Aion unveiled the Ray7, the first model of its new Ray series. It features the world's first Huawei DriveONE chip-level drive-brake fusion architecture, positioned as a mid-to-large pure electric sedan with an expected price of 150,000-200,000 yuan.
Chassis Tech: Industry-First Chip-Level Fusion
The Ray7's most significant breakthrough is the world's first Huawei DriveONE chip-level drive-brake fusion architecture. This technology integrates drive and brake control at the chip level, achieving inter-core communication under 10 microseconds—compared to millisecond-level delays in traditional distributed architectures.
Technical principles and advantages:
- Integrated drive-brake control: A single chip controls both drive motor and braking system, eliminating signal delays between multiple ECUs
- EMB full wire-controlled braking: Brake response in just 78 milliseconds, with a 100-0 km/h braking distance of only 33 meters
- Redundant safety design: Even if all four wheel brakes fail, the system can achieve safe stopping through motor reversal
- Huawei iTRACK intelligent torque control: Real-time adjustment of per-wheel torque output, significantly improving stability on wet surfaces
Chassis hardware features an aluminum-mixed front double wishbone + rear five-link suspension, with FSD adaptive dampers and front/rear stabilizer bars. Notably, this chassis inherits Alfa Romeo's tuning expertise, balancing sportiness and comfort.
Powertrain: Ultra-Low 9.7kWh/100km Consumption
The Ray7 runs on the next-generation Huawei DriveONE multi-in-one electric drive, paired with Aion's self-developed 28-in-one thermal management module, achieving an ultra-low consumption of 9.7kWh per 100km.
Core specifications comparison:
| Parameter | Aion Ray7 | Xiaomi SU7 (Base) | BYD Han EV (Base) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | 9.7kWh/100km | 12.3kWh/100km | 13.2kWh/100km |
| CLTC Range | 700km | 700km | 506km |
| Motor Power | 180kW | 220kW | 150kW |
| Battery | CATL + Cell Cartridge 2.0 | CATL | Blade Battery |
| Dimensions | 4960×1900×1455mm | 4997×1963×1455mm | 4995×1910×1495mm |
The battery uses CATL's pack solution integrated with Aion's Cell Cartridge Battery 2.0 technology, with 24-hour dual safety monitoring via onboard and cloud systems.
Intelligent Driving: L4-Derived Model Goes Mass Market
The Ray7's intelligent driving configuration is equally impressive:
- 27-sensor array with 192-line LiDAR + three 4D mmWave radars
- WeRide L4 Robotaxi-derived large model
- End-to-end assisted driving support
- Coverage of complex scenarios including urban villages and toll gates
WeRide is a leading Chinese autonomous driving company whose L4 Robotaxi has operated in Guangzhou and Shenzhen for years. Bringing this technology to mass-market passenger cars represents a qualitative leap in urban driving assistance.
However, it's worth noting that Ray7 uses Huawei DriveONE motor supply cooperation and does not involve HarmonyOS cockpit or ADS. This "proven solution, no reinventing" strategy delivers higher reliability and cost advantages.
Strategic Significance: Aion's C-End Breakthrough
The Ray7 represents more than a new car launch—it carries Aion's strategic transformation mission.
In recent years, Aion built huge sales through ride-hailing models like AION S and Y, but was labeled a "ride-hail brand." In H1 2026, Aion's C-end sales share climbed to 81%, with main models switching to household products like i60 and N60.
The Ray7 arrives at Aion's 10th anniversary as a reintroduction to young consumers with a new series, new logo, and new positioning. GAC Group's Hao铂-Aion BU president Zhang Xiong revealed that the Ray series will cover sedans, coupes, and SUVs.
Market-wise, the mid-to-large pure electric sedan segment is fiercely competitive. CPCA data shows segment sales of approximately 247,000 units in Jan-Jul 2026, down 20.2% YoY. Xiaomi SU7 exceeds 20,000 monthly units, BYD Han EV defends its position through reputation, and XPeng P7+ and Zeekr 007 are also competing.
Ray7's differentiation weapons:
- Price positioning—If priced at 150,000-200,000 yuan, it creates clear advantage over 180,000+ competitors
- Chassis technology—Chip-level fusion and 33m braking are segment-exclusive
- Collaboration model—Huawei + CATL + WeRide alliance reduces R&D risk
EX1000.COM believes Ray7 represents the "technology integrator" approach—not self-developing everything, but assembling the best from each partner. For overseas buyers, this means more mature products at more competitive prices.
