The Aiva ME7 electric SUV appears in China’s latest regulatory filings, with Seres listed as the manufacturer. Credit: MIIT
- The model is Aiva’s first production vehicle since the brand’s launch in June, measuring 4,999 mm in length.
- Previous reports said pre-orders for the Aiva ME7 would open in early 2027.
The first production model from Aiva, a new brand under Seres (HKEX: 9927)-backed Saidou Technology, has appeared in a Chinese regulatory catalog, moving a step closer to launch.
The Aiva ME7 battery-electric SUV was included in the 412th batch of new vehicle filings released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Friday, with Seres listed as the manufacturer.
In China, such filings typically signal that a new vehicle could go on sale within the next few months, as models must complete the MIIT filing process before entering the market.
The ME7 is an all-electric SUV with fastback crossover styling. It measures 4,999 mm in length, 1,999 mm in width and 1,616 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,050 mm and a 5-seat layout.
The Aiva ME7 features a fastback design and a 5-seat layout, with a length of 4,999 mm and a wheelbase of 3,050 mm. Credit: MIIT
The model offers single-motor and dual-motor variants, both with a top speed of 255 km/h and a towing capacity of 700 kg.
The single-motor version features a rear-mounted motor with a peak output of 270 kW (362 hp) and a curb weight ranging from 2,295 kg to 2,370 kg.
The dual-motor version adds a 150 kW front motor, bringing total system output to 420 kW. Its curb weight ranges from 2,425 kg to 2,480 kg.
Both variants use ternary lithium-ion batteries supplied by CATL (HKEX: 3750). Battery capacity and driving range have yet to be disclosed.
Regulatory images show optional exterior features for the Aiva ME7, including different wheels, red brake calipers and a black roof. Credit: MIIT
Saidou officially launched the Aiva brand on June 9 and unveiled its first concept car, the Aiva Origin Concept. The company said at the time that the lineup would primarily target the market above 200,000 yuan ($29,750).
The brand emphasizes the concept of AI (artificial intelligence)-defined vehicles and has partnered with ByteDance’s Volcano Engine, which will provide its Doubao large language model and smart cockpit technology.
Unlike Aito, the brand jointly developed by Seres and Huawei, Aiva is not expected to use Huawei’s Qiankun smart driving system. Local media previously reported that the brand was expected to partner with DeepRoute.
LatePost reported in August, citing people familiar with the matter, that the Aiva ME7 was scheduled to debut in 2026, with pre-orders opening in early 2027. The model would eventually be sold in China and overseas markets.
The report also said Aiva was in talks with CATL about joining its battery swap system, giving the brand’s first model access to a public battery swap network.
Saidou, formerly Seres’ Landian Technology, completed a capital increase and ownership restructuring this year. Shaci Zhiyuan, backed by Chongqing state capital, is its largest shareholder with a stake of about 34.5%.
Seres ranks second with a stake of about 32.96%, while CATL holds about 9.89% through an investment platform.
Seres primarily provides Aiva with vehicle manufacturing, supply chain and engineering support. The ME7 is expected to be produced at Seres’ Phoenix factory.
Huawei and Seres are deepening their partnership about 2 weeks after announcing a shift in control of the Aito brand’s operations.
($1 = 6.7220 yuan)
