Another day, another Chinese brand makes its way to our ever-growing (and crowded) automotive market. Welcome the Chinese EV startup called Aion.

If you’re wondering why its cars all bear the logo of GAC Motor, that’s because it is the EV sub-brand that operates independently. This brand was formerly known as GAC New Energy.

Distributed in partnership with Dangdang New Energy Auto Service, the brand has two offerings to start in our country.

The first is the Y Plus. The brand calls it an electric SUV, but the shape is more like that of an MPV. It comes in two variants: the Elite (P1,498,000) and the Premium (P1,698,000).

Both are powered by a single electric motor rated at 150kW (203hp) and 220Nm. It has a battery of 63.2kWh that can be fast-charged via the CCS Type 2 port, and a range of up to 490km.

You can get the Y Plus in Lucky Gold, Youthful Green, Pure White, Quick Silver, Elegant Gray, Liberty Ash, and Glamour Black, alongside the first three with a black roof.

The only difference between the two variants as far as the exterior is concerned is the wheel size: the Elite gets 17-inch wheels, and the Premium gets 18-inch wheels.

The Angel Wing headlights, the LED lightbar, the panoramic sunroof, the hidden door handles, and the roof rails are all shared between the two.

The interior comes in five different finishes, and the Premium gets a few more goodies like ventilated electric seats, a rear center armrest, a power tailgate, a wireless charger, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an advanced driver-assistance system.

There are a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a gigantic 14.6-inch center infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and six speakers. A 360° camera is standard across both variants.

On the other hand, the Aion ES is a midsize sedan touted to be the most affordable in its segment. Considering it’s priced at P1,358,000, this electric sedan has a lot for its relatively affordable price tag.

It packs a 55.2kWh battery, and the single electric motor has a power output of 100kW (136hp) and 225Nm, with a maximum range of 442km. Fast-charging is supported via the CCS Type 2 port on the side.

It comes in Sleek Black, Suave Silver, and Sultry White. It also rides on 17-inch wheels, and features LED lighting front and back.

The interior is mostly an all-black leatherette affair, and the dashboard features a 3.5-inch screen in between two analog gauges, and an eight-inch touchscreen.

It also has basic safety systems like ABS-EBD, traction control, hill-hold control, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, a tire pressure monitor, and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors—all in a bid to help keep the price down.

The flagship dealership can be located at 2287 Chino Roces Extension, Makati City, and will be open from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, and Sundays and holidays from 9am to 5pm.

The facility spans 1,420sq-m and has a showroom that can accommodate six cars, apart from a battery magazine showcase, an EV platform display, and an after-sales reception area. More important, there are four EV charging stations, two of which are fast-chargers.

Aion’s cars will be offered with an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the vehicle, and an eight-year/200,000km for the battery. Plus, three dealer partners have been confirmed: Aion Bacolod, Aion Cagayan de Oro, and Aion Davao. This means this brand is serious about staying and making an impact.