Hyperdrive

An Electric SUV Will Lead China’s Charge Into Europe

  • Shanghai’s Aiways says it has secured required certifications
  • Upstart likely to face uphill battle to break into market
An Aiways U5 at the 22nd Chengdu Motor Show on Sept. 5.Source: VCG via Getty Images
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A roughly $39,000 sport utility vehicle looks set to become the first Chinese entrant in Europe’s electric-car market, betting its competitive price will help draw customers away from the likes of Volkswagen AG and Tesla Inc.

Shanghai-based automaker Aiways has secured the required permits and certifications for a Europe launch, and plans to start sales in the second quarter of next year, co-founder Fu Qiang said in an interview. The upstart will first start selling the vehicle, called U5, in China this month.