Aion V

[kobayashiGT]

On 5/29/2025 at 3:54 PM, Blee75 said:

@kobayashiGT oh it’s for remote access when in say Malaysia since currently they don’t have network outside of Sg.

ahhh. for such scenario, I will usually download the offline map in google maps, just in case no network. 

[inlinesix]

On 5/29/2025 at 4:17 PM, kobayashiGT said:

ahhh. for such scenario, I will usually download the offline map in google maps, just in case no network. 

Bro, he want to check where is his car via his phone when he is in Msia.

It has nothing to do with map access le.

[kobayashiGT]

On 5/29/2025 at 4:55 PM, inlinesix said:

Bro, he want to check where is his car via his phone when he is in Msia.

It has nothing to do with map access le.

Oh. pardon me. I misread it. Hahhaha. Just get apple airtag lah. hahahah. can use FindMy app to find your car. 

[steveting99]

On 5/29/2025 at 3:54 PM, Blee75 said:

@kobayashiGT oh it’s for remote access when in say Malaysia since currently they don’t have network outside of Sg.

Believe Aion V has an always on remote telemetry modem that connects to GAC servers in China. It uses the 4G mobile network to accomplish this in either Singapore or Malaysia. 

Provided your mobile device is connected to a telecoms provider in Malaysia, you should be able to access the Aion V via its mobile app. 

[Blee75]

@steveting99 I was told by the SE that the network provider for the Aion is provided by Singtel, they are still in neg with the telco to extend to cross-borders.

https://www.singtel.com/content/dam/singtel/business/sb/articles/infographic-esims-the-secret-to-unlocking-cross-border-iot-for-automotive-vehicles.pdf

Edited June 1 by Blee75
addition of link

[steveting99]

@Blee75 Ask the SE to change Aion V's mobile plan to another carrier. An example is Eight mobile who's got free roaming coverage in Malaysia and normal usage in Singapore (using SingTel's network in Singapore) for only $8 per month with the 288GB data plan here: https://www.eight.com.sg/?https://www.eight.com.sg/&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21853636731&gbraid=0AAAAA9oLmYzsN5gGyTl0R0huz_sgBERcC&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9O_BBhCUARIsAHQMjS6ecjJRrjqEqn8iPmnjqR3fUpkN6sNGnR-1tBuK7p6XQYFwvAfMweIaAizCEALw_wcB. No need to apply for data roaming charges while driving around JB! Just use the 288GB common pool.

If GAC needs a bigger data plan (don't know why - maybe send all those high resolution camera video images back to China?), can choose the next tier up at $11.80 per month 488GB data plan. 

There are other eSIM/SIM mobile carriers available in Singapore such as SIMBA, Circles, Giga, MyRepublic, GOMO (under SingTel), etc. that offer similar mobile data plans with free roaming service into Malaysia. 

[steveting99]

Looks like GAC is now offering a 10-year manufacturer's warranty on their high voltage batteries or 200,000kms (which ever comes first) based on this article from autoapp: https://www.autoapp.sg/gac-aion-extends-local-battery-warranty-to-10-years/

For those who've bought their Aion V, might want to check with your VinCar/EV Direct sales executive and get confirmation in writing regarding the 10-year manufacturer's warranty on the high voltage batteries.

[steveting99]

There's a new battery safety standard issued by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). It becomes mandatory for all vehicle manufacturers by 1-Jul-2026 and is called “Safety Requirements for Power Batteries of Electric Vehicles” or referred to as GB38031-2025. The updated regulation mandates that batteries must not catch fire or explode, even during thermal runaway events; i.e. a battery short circuit event when the car is involved in a high speed collision/impact/accident.. Additionally, any smoke generated must not harm vehicle occupants. GAC would be required to comply with the new mandatory battery safety standard for all Aion vehicles or purchase from battery manufacturers who do comply. Examples are BYD and CATL.

Car News China article is here: https://carnewschina.com/2025/04/17/china-bans-ev-battery-fires-and-explosions-with-groundbreaking-safety-standard-starting-july-2026/

I've message GAC Aion and asked if their batteries and vehicles comply with GB38031-2025. Awaiting their response.

[paisun]

Hello everyone, I have about a year left on my current ride before the COE expires. I'm considering the AION V and would love to hear from existing owners about their experience with the car so far. Any insights, pros and cons, or things to look out for would be greatly appreciated! 🙂 

[stanlew]

@paisun Hi, I got my Aion V in late April and have been driving it daily since. I traded in my 6 yr old Kia sedan cos I needed a more spacious interior for my growing family. My ideal car would have been the Sealion7 if not for the $200k price tag, so it was down to either this, Aion Y or the BYD M6. But the M6 build quality felt "cheap" and the BYD SEs are cocky ("our cars sell by themselves"), so ultimately went for the V cos it really felt more premium than other cars in the same price segment. Also cannot stand the Y's mascara headlight design lol. The V's front exterior design is awkward-looking at first. But the more you look at it, it actually looks not bad and stands out from the rest of the cookie-cutter EV design these days. People will usually take a second glance cos they rarely see this strange design. Or maybe it's just plain fugly, whatever, I still like my big bright T-Rex headlights haha. To each his own.

It wasn't an impulse buy. I saw it the first time in a 2024 car show at expo and test drove it 3 times when it finally got LTA approval. Smooth and adequately powerful drive, quiet cabin, super spacious legroom and head clearance, nice leathers seats, full panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats with massage (tho I would like it harder Thai-style ;-D), mini fridge/warmer, large infotainment screen.

For those wondering if the 485km WLTP can do SG to KL? YES IT CAN. I went on a full charge to KL, stopped at Sunway with 20km range left. Average speed 120km/h. If you have range anxiety, stop halfway at Pagoh or Ayer Keroh to charge DC - 10 mins will do. This was one of the main reasons I got the V, cos I frequently travel to KL... 180kw charging is really sweet.

The one complain I have is that it does not support Android Auto yet. Only Carplay is available. The SE gave me some dongle to solve this issue but that didn't work. He did say that there will be an OTA update to address this in June/July. They just recently released Android Auto for the Y I think, so hopefully it will come soon for the V. Otherwise the nav system is decent but I really prefer Waze/GMaps. The voice control is also a bit wonky, the assistant sounds like half Thai, half PRC lol.

Overall - this is a really value for money (in SG terms) proposition. Test drive it as much as you want and if your heart tells you that this is a good buy, then go for it. Vincar should be strong enough to see out the 10 years. They are a major PI player and will also bring in Proton EVs next, so they should have enough financial backing.

Good luck and have fun choosing!

[paisun]

On 6/10/2025 at 5:59 PM, stanlew said:

@paisun Hi, I got my Aion V in late April and have been driving it daily since. I traded in my 6 yr old Kia sedan cos I needed a more spacious interior for my growing family. My ideal car would have been the Sealion7 if not for the $200k price tag, so it was down to either this, Aion Y or the BYD M6. But the M6 build quality felt "cheap" and the BYD SEs are cocky ("our cars sell by themselves"), so ultimately went for the V cos it really felt more premium than other cars in the same price segment. Also cannot stand the Y's mascara headlight design lol. The V's front exterior design is awkward-looking at first. But the more you look at it, it actually looks not bad and stands out from the rest of the cookie-cutter EV design these days. People will usually take a second glance cos they rarely see this strange design. Or maybe it's just plain fugly, whatever, I still like my big bright T-Rex headlights haha. To each his own.

It wasn't an impulse buy. I saw it the first time in a 2024 car show at expo and test drove it 3 times when it finally got LTA approval. Smooth and adequately powerful drive, quiet cabin, super spacious legroom and head clearance, nice leathers seats, full panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats with massage (tho I would like it harder Thai-style ;-D), mini fridge/warmer, large infotainment screen.

For those wondering if the 485km WLTP can do SG to KL? YES IT CAN. I went on a full charge to KL, stopped at Sunway with 20km range left. Average speed 120km/h. If you have range anxiety, stop halfway at Pagoh or Ayer Keroh to charge DC - 10 mins will do. This was one of the main reasons I got the V, cos I frequently travel to KL... 180kw charging is really sweet.

The one complain I have is that it does not support Android Auto yet. Only Carplay is available. The SE gave me some dongle to solve this issue but that didn't work. He did say that there will be an OTA update to address this in June/July. They just recently released Android Auto for the Y I think, so hopefully it will come soon for the V. Otherwise the nav system is decent but I really prefer Waze/GMaps. The voice control is also a bit wonky, the assistant sounds like half Thai, half PRC lol.

Overall - this is a really value for money (in SG terms) proposition. Test drive it as much as you want and if your heart tells you that this is a good buy, then go for it. Vincar should be strong enough to see out the 10 years. They are a major PI player and will also bring in Proton EVs next, so they should have enough financial backing.

Good luck and have fun choosing!

@stanlew Thanks for sharing! I agree that the Aion V's design isn't exactly sleek, but over time, you kind of get used to its boxy look. The lack of Android Auto support is definitely disappointing, and not having a glove compartment is an odd omission. I haven’t test-driven it yet, but I plan to soon. One concern I have is whether the massage feature might cause the leather seats to sag with frequent use. If the massager fails, I wonder how capable their workshop is when it comes to repairs or replacements.

[stanlew]

Don't think anyone can't answer your concerns @paisun. Too many unknowns with China EVs, any EV you buy now requires a leap of faith. Even BYD distis in China can go out of biz.. it's a cutthroat industry. Maybe real pros here like @steveting99 can advise.

[steveting99]

On 6/10/2025 at 9:20 PM, paisun said:

 

@stanlew Thanks for sharing! I agree that the Aion V's design isn't exactly sleek, but over time, you kind of get used to its boxy look. The lack of Android Auto support is definitely disappointing, and not having a glove compartment is an odd omission. I haven’t test-driven it yet, but I plan to soon. One concern I have is whether the massage feature might cause the leather seats to sag with frequent use. If the massager fails, I wonder how capable their workshop is when it comes to repairs or replacements.

 

@paisun Aion is a new brand in Singapore and like a lot of Chinese auto makers - there isn't a long history of how well their vehicles are made to gauge quality. To get people interested, GAC (the parent company of Aion) is doing two things.

(1) Provide lots of features at a price it low enough to entice buyers (massage function of front seats is an example); and

(2) Offer a long manufacturer's warranty. For Aions this is 8 years or 160,000kms - which ever comes first.

Vincar is the AD for GAC rides in Singapore. Vincar has been around for a while (since 1989) and is a publicly listed company on the HK Stock Exchange under Guang Chao Holdings. Vincar has their own workshop to service Aions so stick to the service schedule to ensure manufacturer's warranty is valid. 

If you're particular about the front seats and failure of the massager, get Vincar to put it in writing that the the front seats are covered within the vehicle 8 year warranty.

There is always the option of going over the causeway to get the Aion serviced/repaired by the AD in Malaysia WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) - which is part of the Tan Chong motor holding group. An option once the warranty expires and if Vincar wants to charge an arm or a leg to service/repair the Aion V.

Edited June 17 by steveting99
additional text and typo

[Soya]

On 5/6/2025 at 3:22 PM, Mkl22 said:

kudos that you actually explain so much. however the stubborn ones still feel that they are justified it paying only acceptable margins according to their calculations. these people typically are not in sales related operations or have owned any businesses before.

 

Wonder when these ppl go eat zhi zhar they calculate the cost of the vege, prawn and chicken n say zhi zhar stall markup too high?....

 

[steveting99]

VinCar (EV Hub) has introduced a cut down and cheaper version of the Aion V with a oxymoronic tag of "Premium". So how much does Premium version of the Aion V gets gimped by and what kind of "Premium" ride one gets for $7k less?

(1) Reduced high voltage battery size to 64.5kWhr and thus a reduced range to 430km (WLTP).

(2) Fake leather seats instead of real leather.

(3) No massage function.

(4) No fold out table in the 2nd row.

(5) No fridge.

(6) No PM 2.5 sensor.

(7) Reduced DC fast charging down to 150kW from 180kW. 

(8) No driver monitoring system

(9) Slightly better energy consumption to 16.7 kWhr/100 km from 17.2 kWhr/100km. Wont make much of a difference in running costs. 

Items (6) through (9) might not be a important and some may even say deleting the driver monitoring system is a feature!

But items (1) to (5) will mean the Aion V "Premium" doesn't deserve the premium badge as before and is more like any other Chinese BEVs on the market. Just another B&B ride competing in a crowded market. There are already lower priced alternatives available. Competitors include the MG S5, Atto 3, Omoda E5, the soon to be released Atto 2 and eMas7 (which VinCar is the AD for). 

[13177]

On 7/19/2025 at 9:45 PM, steveting99 said:

VinCar (EV Hub) has introduced a cut down and cheaper version of the Aion V with a oxymoronic tag of "Premium". So how much does Premium version of the Aion V gets gimped by and what kind of "Premium" ride one gets for $7k less?

(1) Reduced high voltage battery size to 64.5kWhr and thus a reduced range to 430km (WLTP).

(2) Fake leather seats instead of real leather.

(3) No massage function.

(4) No fold out table in the 2nd row.

(5) No fridge.

(6) No PM 2.5 sensor.

(7) Reduced DC fast charging down to 150kW from 180kW. 

(8) No driver monitoring system

(9) Slightly better energy consumption to 16.7 kWhr/100 km from 17.2 kWhr/100km. Wont make much of a difference in running costs. 

Items (6) through (9) might not be a important and some may even say deleting the driver monitoring system is a feature!

But items (1) to (5) will mean the Aion V "Premium" doesn't deserve the premium badge as before and is more like any other Chinese BEVs on the market. Just another B&B ride competing in a crowded market. There are already lower priced alternatives available. Competitors include the MG S5, Atto 3, Omoda E5, the soon to be released Atto 2 and eMas7 (which VinCar is the AD for). 

Actually i find items 3-5 not necessary. Esp fridge in the car. Maybe fridge is useful for those who go JB often.

[steveting99]

Current cost comparison of the gimped Aion V vs the normal unit and against some of the competition.

Will see what VinCar (EV Hub) cost of importing the gimped version into Singapore via the OMV. Wont have to wait too long. So far, the Omoda E5 gets the win for best value for money.

Edited July 20 by steveting99
Additional text

[steveting99]

Vehicle breakdown analysis in Europe's largest vehicle market (Germany) by Europe’s largest automobile association Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil Club (ADAC). Report is here: https://presse.adac.de/meldungen/adac-ev/technik/adac-pannenstatistik-2025.html

ADAC carried out 3.6 million breakdown events in 2024 and found that ICE vehicles broke down 9.4 vehicles per 1000 unit compared to 3.8 EVs per 1000 units. Comparisons are of vehicles of the same age, i.e. 2020 ICE vehicle vs. 2020 EV. The vehicles are relatively new from 2020 to 2022 with age range between two to four years.  

ADAC says EV's are 2.5x less likely to breakdown compared to ICE vehicles. 

There are some variability amongst manufacturers for both ICE and EVs. Surprisingly Toyota C-HR, first registered in 2020, has 63.1 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles is the worst of all. On the EV side Hyundai's IONIQ 5 has 22.4 breakdowns per 1000 units due to problems with the integrated charging control unit (ICCU). The stars of the report are the Mini (0.3 breakdowns per 1000 units) and Audi A4 (0.4 breakdowns per 1000 units) which are on ICE side. On the EV side, the Tesla Model 3 is the star with just 0.5 breakdowns per 1000 units. 

Most of the breakdowns are due to the defective starter battery (contributing to 44.9% of the 3.6 million breakdown event). Looks like replacing the standard 12V lead acid battery with a more reliable 12V lithium ion battery is a simple way to improve reliability.  

Found out that the Aion V has a lead acid 12V low voltage battery and not the superior lithium ion battery that's being used on BYD and Tesla.  Perhaps current owners can confirm this and the warranty period of the 12V lead acid battery is only one year?

 

Edited August 23 by steveting99
Additional text for clarity