The GAC Aion UT electric hatchback is set to become cheaper, with a new entry-level model variant confirmed for Australian showrooms by the end of 2026.
The Chinese brand, which was launched in Australia in November 2025, has confirmed a smaller 44kWh battery pack offering 320km of WLTP driving range will join the Aion UT lineup before the end of this year.
This compares with the current 60kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery fitted to the two existing grades in Australia, both of which have a 150kW/210Nm electric motor and offer 430km of WLTP range.
GAC Australia has not detailed any other specification or equipment changes for the new entry-level Aion UT.
A 44kWh battery is already offered in versions of the Aion UT sold in China, where it is paired with a less powerful 100kW/145Nm electric motor and offers up to 420km of range on the more generous CLTC testing cycle.
While GAC Australia has not announced pricing for its new entry-level electric hatch, it has confirmed it will undercut the price of its most affordable Aion UT variant, which at $31,990 before on-road costs is also its cheapest model overall.
Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle (EV) is the BYD Atto 1 light hatch at $23,990 plus ORCs, but more comparable small electric hatches include the BYD Dolphin priced from $29,990 plus ORCs, and the MG4 Urban which starts at $31,990 plus ORCS.
The cheaper Aion UT will also compete with the newly launched Geely EX2 light electric hatch, which starts at $26,490 plus ORCs.
The entry-level EX2 Complete uses a 35.35kWh LFP battery and offers a claimed 252km of WLTP range.
The EX2 was China’s best-selling passenger vehicle in 2025 with 465,775 sales, equivalent to more than one-third of Australia’s entire annual new-vehicle market.
The Aion UT became GAC’s fourth model in Australian showrooms in April 2026, following the brand’s local launch in November 2025 with the Emzoom small SUV, the Aion V mid-size electric SUV, and M8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) people mover.
GAC plans to expand its Australian lineup further with at least 10 more models, potentially including the S7 large SUV as a rival to models such as the Toyota Kluger. The company has also said it plans to introduce a dual-cab ute to Australia sometime in 2027.