AION Y Plus adds EV model to GAC range in Malaysia

Positive response has been shown to the new GAC AION Y Plus EV which was launched at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 recently by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) which also operates GAC Motor Malaysia.

With this new EV, the company now has two models to offer, the other being the GAC GS3 Emzoom which is assembled in Malaysia. Later in the year, the range will be joined by the GS3 Emkoo, another SUV model which will also be assembled locally.

GAC’s EV brand
AION is an EV brand marketed by a subsidiary of the GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Corporation) group. The subsidiary has been in existence since 2017 and focusses on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). Last year, with a production volume of 480,003 vehicles, it was the third-largest battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand after Tesla and BYD Auto, both in China and globally.

At present, there are 12 models in the AION range with the Y Plus, a SUV, having been selected as the first model in the Malaysian market. WTCA (part of the Tan Chong Group)  is importing two versions of the model – Elite and Premium – priced from RM119,800 and RM135,800, respectively.

First deliveries of the Y Plus Elite variant will begin in June, followed by the Premium version from July 2024 onwards.

High safety standards for bettery pack
With an overall length of 4535 mm and width of 1870 mm, the Y Plus is almost similar in size to a Mazda CX-5. It rides on the brand’s AEP 2.0 platform developed specially for EV which also houses GAC’s Magazine Battery 2.0. This battery pack, with lithium-ion phosphate chemistry, is said to be energy-dense and high safety standards. Extreme tests such as shooting a high-calibre bullet at it have shown that it will not explode or catch fire even when pierced.

The battery pack has a 63.2 kWh capacity which is claimed to be good for a range of up to 490 kms. For recharging, it accepts AC (up to 6.6 kW) and DC (up to 80 kW) power supply; charging times are not indicated though they will probably be similar to other EVs in this class.

Single motor drivetrain
There is only a single front-mounted electric motor with an output of up to 150 kW/225 Nm. This can send the Y Plus, which weighs around 1,710 kgs, from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 8.5 seconds. The driver can choose from 4 modes which vary the performance characteristics (influencing range), with the possibility of 1-pedal driving (i-Pedal) as well.

High-tech design
The exterior design is given a high-tech image with the Angel Wing LED headlight units that extend down the sides while, at the rear is are slim Skyline wraparound lighting units unified by a LED strip. The body panels are smooth for aerodynamic efficiency, with the door handles retracting flush when not in use.

The 2750 mm wheelbase allows for a cabin with class-leading spaciousness for 5 occupants. While the first impression is one of simplicity and uncluttered surfaces, there are actually many upmarket amenities and features.

These include 6-way power-adjustment for the driver’s seat, 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents plus built-in PM2.5 air filter, and a panoramic sunroof overhead.

The infotainment system uses a 14.6-inch touchscreen display and can interface with a smartphone via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay (wired).  With the Premium version, the driver’s seat has ventilation and power adjustment for the front passenger’s seat. This version also gets a wireless charging pad as well as 32-colour Ambient lighting with music mode.

Two accessory packages
Additionally, while stocks last, those who are early owners of the Y Plus will also get to choose from two specially curated accessories packages. The first one is the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Set which is a complete set of GAC AION-branded camping gear. There is also a V2L cable for drawing electricity from the battery pack to power external devices (only with the Premium version)

The other package is the  ‘Me-Time’ Mobile Theatre Set specially conceived by GAC AION. This in-car movie theatre set provides immersive entertainment in the cabin with versatile and innovative seat arrangements.

Like all SUVs, the rear seats are divided and can be folded to increase cargo space or to carry long items. The standard volume is 405 litres and it can be expanded to 1,200 litres. With the Premium version, the tailgate is powered for extra convenience.

The Y Plus comes with a full range of active safety systems and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) features that enable Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. A 360-degree View Monitor helps with parking and manoeuvring in tight areas, while the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System will alert the driver when air pressure in a tyre is unusually low.

8 years/200,000 kms battery warranty
While the warranty for the vehicle is 8 years or maximum of 160,000 kms, GAC extends the warranty for the EV battery, drive motor and electric control to a maximum of 200,000 kms (or 8 years). That should give peace of mind to owners as battery replacement cost remains one of the concerns of those who are considering buying an EV.

Rewards for first 200 customers
The first 200 customers who book the Y Plus will be rewarded with a free 7 kW Wallbox Charger (worth RM3,500) so they can conveniently charge the vehicle at home, as well as RM1,000 of charging credits for use at JomCharge stations.

Part of these rewards are the result of new partnerships forged by WTCA with EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC). Together with their roaming partners Gentari and ChargEV, EVC has over 1,000 charging points nationwide. It is also the first Charging Point Operator in Malaysia to implement the Autocharge Feature and AION Y Plus owners will be among the first to enjoy such a premium feature to enjoy this convenience.

WTC Automotif building GAC network around Malaysia