Huawei’s Aito M8 Pure Electric SUV: A Deep Dive into its Tech and Design

Huawei’s Aito has officially kicked off pre-sales for the all-electric version of its M8 large SUV, with prices starting from a compelling 378,000 yuan, or about 52,000 USD. Set for an August launch, this new EV comes with some sweet early bird deals: a 5,000 yuan deposit morphs into a 10,000 yuan discount on the final price, plus a limited-time free upgrade to the new Night Violet exterior, valued at 8,000 yuan.

Design: Subtle Distinctions

The Aito M8 already makes waves with its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variant. Now, the pure electric version joins the family, sporting some subtle yet significant design tweaks. It keeps Aito’s signature “Kunpeng” design language but carves out its own identity with a freshly styled front bumper intake grille, setting it apart from its EREV sibling. The striking dual-lens headlights are still there, seamlessly integrated with air ducts and highlighted by a sleek chrome strip. These headlights also pack auxiliary driving indicator lights, a nice touch for visibility and style. For the tech-savvy, a 192-line LiDAR sensor sits proudly on the roof, hinting at advanced autonomous capabilities, and yes, it even has a front trunk.

From the side, the M8 EV rolls on new 21-inch blacked-out wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires. Multi-spoke wheel options are also on the menu. Dimensions are generous, matching the EREV model at 5,190/1,999/1,795 mm (length, width, height) with a substantial 3,105 mm wheelbase. Whether you prefer a 5-seat or 6-seat setup, the M8 EV has you covered.

The rear design mirrors the EREV, featuring an ISD intelligent interactive taillight system that adds a futuristic flair. Two chrome strips elegantly span the body, connecting the upper and lower sections, with auxiliary driving indicator lights providing extra functionality. The M8 EV also introduces a new Night Violet exterior color and a refined Truffle Brown interior option, adding a touch of luxury.

Huawei’s Intelligent Driving and Powertrain

The Aito M8 EV is poised to be a tech showcase, being one of the first vehicles to boast Huawei Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS 4. This system promises advanced intelligent driving assistance and intelligent parking features, pushing the boundaries of what a large SUV can do.

But the real star of the show is Huawei’s high-voltage 7-in-1 electric drive system, making its debut in the M8 EV. This innovative system features a dual-path redundant power supply, available in both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations. The single-motor variant churns out a respectable 227 kW (304 hp), while the dual-motor version unleashes 160 kW (215 hp) for the front motor and 227 kW (304 hp) for the rear. Every model comes equipped with a hefty 100 kWh CATL battery, offering a commendable CLTC range of 705 kilometers, all powered by Huawei’s advanced Whale 800V high-voltage battery platform.

Richard Yu, Huawei’s Executive Director and CEO of Terminal BG, excitedly shared on Weibo that the M8 EV will be the first to feature Huawei’s self-developed DriveONE high-voltage 7-in-1 electric drive with dual-path redundant power supply. Yu highlights this system’s ability to reclaim 30% of cabin and trunk space, achieve a stellar CLTC efficiency of 92.2%, and crucially, provide safety redundancy for higher levels of assisted driving.

@WanquFengge (湾区峰哥), the M8 product manager, delved deeper into the tech:

• **Redundant Power Supply for Assisted Driving:** This system is engineered to meet the rigorous safety demands of next-gen assisted driving. If any single component fails, the power supply seamlessly continues to support autonomous driving, ensuring the vehicle can safely come to a stop. The entire vehicle benefits from dual A and B power paths, providing redundant backup power and guaranteeing millisecond-level fault isolation for all safety-critical components. This setup ensures the absolute safety of the intelligent driving system’s power supply.
• **Efficiency and NVH Performance:** Huawei’s team harnessed multi-round AI optimization algorithms to fine-tune motor parameters, dramatically reducing sound pressure levels and refining sound quality. Using 0.2mm ultra-thin silicon steel sheets, Huawei’s proprietary silicon carbide modules, and innovative magnetic steel bonding technologies significantly boost both range and performance.

The Enthusiast’s Take

The Aito M8 EREV has already garnered impressive attention, with a remarkable 140,000 pre-orders. That’s a clear sign of success, even without its pure electric counterpart. This buzz suggests a strong market for the brand, and we’re eager to see how the pure electric M8 performs. Will it carve out its own niche or further amplify Aito’s market presence? Only time will tell, but with Huawei’s tech prowess and Aito’s design language, the M8 EV is certainly one to watch. The Chinese EV market is a dynamic space, constantly pushing boundaries in design and technology. The M8 EV joins a growing list of impressive vehicles, such as the Xpeng X9 EREV or the BYD Yangwang U8L, each bringing unique innovations to the table. As China embraces advanced automotive technologies, vehicles like the Aito M8 EV are setting new benchmarks for intelligent driving and electric performance.