GAC Aion RT characteristics: an overview for those who are really interested

The GAC Aion RT has been around for a while, but it has already managed to attract the attention of those who are seriously considering an electric car. In a world where almost every new model tries to stand out either with its design or hype features, the RT plays a different game. Everything here is restrained, but well thought out: normal-sized batteries, fast charging, standard front-wheel drive, few assistants, and no "space" solutions that are difficult to maintain.

Now let's find out what kind of car it is, what makes it interesting, and for whom it can be a realistic option in 2025 in Ukraine.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Packages: how not to get confused?

GAC Aion RT is available in several series:

• 520 Smart Edition
• 520 Zhihao Edition
• 650 Smart Edition
• 650 Zhihao Edition
• 650 Zhizun Edition
• Lidar Edition

The main differences between them relate to battery capacity, electric motor power, a set of electronic systems and driver assistants, the number of cameras installed, and the presence or absence of LiDAR sensors in the top versions. Each of the configurations is focused on different needs, so it's important to consider how you plan to use the car: for city driving, highways, or mixed style.

Dimensions and layout: classic mid-size saloon

If we try to describe the GAC Aion RT without emotion, it is a four-door electric sedan with front-wheel drive, similar in size to the Hyundai Elantra or Tesla Model 3. However, in terms of style and price, it is closer to Chinese competitors who are actively developing our market.

Main dimensions

• Length: 4865 mm
• Width: 1875 mm
• Height: 1520 mm
• Wheelbase: 2775 mm
• Ground clearance: standard for city cars, but without exact figures
• The weight of the vehicle: 1670 - 1750 kg
• Gross weight: up to 2220 kg

The car looks rather squat, which has a positive effect on aerodynamics. All versions have a five-seater layout with a 540-litre boot. This is more than enough for daily needs or trips to the country.

Power and dynamics: one engine, but two variants

Unlike many modern electric vehicles that chase the number of motors and all-wheel drive even in the budget segment, the GAC Aion RT has remained with the classic solution with a single engine located in front. This is not an attempt to make the design cheaper, but rather a desire to make the electric car easy to maintain and understandable to use. But even in this simplicity, there is a choice. The model is available in two power configurations:

• Base motor: 150 kW (204 hp)
• Reinforced motor: 165 kW (224 hp)

Both motors deliver 240 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for front-wheel drive and a mid-size saloon. There's no delay when you press the pedal, and the car pulls forward eagerly. The numbers confirm this:

• 7.5 seconds in the 204 hp version.
• 6.8 seconds in the 224 hp version (due to the higher weight)

The difference in acceleration is hardly noticeable in everyday driving, but the extra power gives you a little more confidence when overtaking on the track or in Sport mode. Both versions have a top speed of 163 km/h, which is a common limitation for Chinese electric cars. For Ukrainian roads, this is more than enough: it will hold the track and you won't get fines for speeding every 5 minutes.

That is, if you are looking for a car that will not slow you down in traffic but does not require track performance, any of the Aion RT versions will give you a good balance of power and energy efficiency.

Battery and range: CLTC promises a lot, but what's the reality?

There are more variations here, as the battery is often the main argument when choosing an electric vehicle. Two battery options are available in the GAC Aion RT, each with its own characteristics:

• 55.1 kWh (version 520)
• 68.1 kWh (650 version)

According to the Chinese CLTC cycle, the margin of safety is:

• up to 520 km in the base version
• up to 650 km in the older

But it's worth remembering that the mileage figures declared by the manufacturer are based on the Chinese CLTC test cycle. It differs significantly from the conditions of real use, especially when it comes to the Ukrainian climate and roads. In everyday life, the range of the GAC Aion RT will be lower, so you should focus on more mundane indicators.

The RT 520 version can be expected to deliver around 370-420 km in mixed mode, if you don't abuse the speed limit and follow a moderate driving style. The RT 650 version shows better results, typically 450-470 km, and under favourable conditions (warm weather, smooth driving, minimal load) the mileage can approach the claimed 650 km, although this is the exception rather than the rule.

Mileage is greatly influenced by things like aggressive driving, active use of the climate control, air temperature and the weight of passengers and luggage. It is also important whether you drive mainly in the city, where regeneration helps to save power, or on the highway, where the battery is put under a lot more strain.

Despite this, the Aion RT is well adapted to our conditions. It has battery heating, which helps to maintain a stable range even in winter. That is, even in sub-zero temperatures, you will not see a dramatic drop in range if you remember to charge the car on time and avoid long journeys at high speed in the cold.

Charging: fast, but depends on the version

Charging with the GAC Aion RT is quite fast. Both versions demonstrate good charging speeds: a full cycle of the 30%-80% takes about 30 minutes, depending on the power of the station. We are talking about DC fast charging, which works only at the appropriate charging stations.

These are pretty decent figures, especially when you consider that you can recharge your car during a short stop for coffee or supermarket shopping. But there's a caveat: to get the declared speed, the charging station must have sufficient power and be truly "fast", not just have the appropriate connector.

If you charge the car at home from a household outlet, you will have to be patient. In this case, a full cycle will take several hours, depending on the network, but this is not critical for night charging. This format is suitable for those who have their own car park and are used to leaving their cars "recharged" overnight.

How we at ECOFACTOR support owners of electric vehicles, including the GAC Aion RT

At ECOFACTOR, we are well aware that every year Ukrainians are increasingly switching to electric vehicles. And models like the GAC Aion RT make this transition even more accessible. But the electric car itself is only part of the story. To make it convenient to use on a daily basis, you need a charging infrastructure, high-quality cables and accessories, and clear service and technical support. This is exactly what we do.

In our online store presented charging stations AC and DC power supplies of our own production - from compact mobile solutions to powerful 420 kW DC stations. We also offer all the necessary cables and adapters for electric vehicles, including solutions for models such as the Aion RT. All of our devices are developed and assembled in Ukraine, taking into account real-world operating conditions. This allows us to better adapt the equipment to the climate, power supply voltage and other nuances that drivers face on a daily basis.

For the convenience of users, we have developed the ECOFACTOR EV Charging mobile application, which works both on iOSand on the Android. You can find the nearest charging station in it via map of charging stationsYou can connect to your car, see its status in real time, start a charging session, check energy consumption or view your journey history. Our platform already supports more than 3,500 charging ports and continues to expand across the country.

If you are considering or already own a GAC Aion RT, we can help make it as easy and comfortable as possible. From selecting a charger to setting up and configuring tariffs, we are ready to be your partner in the world of electric mobility.

Suspension, steering, brakes: nothing to spare

In this regard, the GAC Aion RT does not try to surprise with anything out of the ordinary. The entire suspension and steering design is typical of a mid-size sedan, and that's actually a good thing. The front is equipped with a proven independent MacPherson suspension, which provides adequate stability in corners and works out bumps well. At the rear is an independent multi-link suspension that provides adequate stability and comfort on Ukrainian roads.

The braking system is also straightforward: ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid brakes at the rear. They work precisely, especially when paired with the stabilisation systems that are available even as standard. The brakes are predictable, without any sudden jerks or sluggishness.

The steering is electrically powered, as in most modern cars. The steering wheel turns easily at low speeds, which is convenient in the city, and on the highway the system becomes stiffer, adding confidence. In general, the Aion RT's suspension and steering are calm and stable, without hints of "sport", but without being loose either. Ideal for daily routes - both in the city and on the highway.

Wheels and tyres: modest but with options

The GAC Aion RT comes with two standard wheel options, and it's up to you to choose what you prefer. The base models have 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 tyres, which provide a softer ride, especially if you often drive on imperfect roads. This wheel absorbs shocks from potholes and bumps better and makes less noise on rough asphalt.

More expensive versions are equipped with 18-inch wheels with wider 235/45 tyres. They look noticeably more impressive, sit better in the arches and add a little bit of stiffness to the steering. But the road is also felt a little more strongly, especially on paved areas or in the off-season when the asphalt is not in the best condition.

Depending on your driving style and personal preferences, both options make sense. If you want more smoothness, you should keep the 17-inch wheels. If the way the car looks in the parking lot is more important, the 18-inch wheels are the winner.

Safety: basic electronics plus variability

The GAC Aion RT doesn't try to impress with fantastic autopilots, but it does provide enough features to make the driver feel calm and confident. Even in the starting configuration, the car has a full set of electronic assistants that really work, and not just for a "tick" in the price list. This is the case when the basic equipment no longer looks poor, but rather well-equipped.

• ABS, EBD, ESP
• Hill assist system (HAC)
• Auto Holding
• Cruise control

In more expensive versions, the list is much longer and is already approaching the level of semi-autonomous driving. This is where the features that can not only warn you but also intervene in the driving process when necessary come in. The more expensive trims get:

• All-round view cameras (up to 11 units)
• LiDAR in older versions
• Automatic braking
• Marking tracking systems
• Monitoring blind spots
• Automatic parking

Passive safety in the GAC Aion RT is also worthy of note. All versions have front airbags for the driver and front passenger, which is standard in modern cars. In the middle and higher trims, side airbags are added to provide additional protection in the event of a side impact. ISOFIX child seat anchors are available in all variants, making the car suitable for family use as well. In addition, the system monitors whether passengers are wearing seat belts - an unbuckled seat belt alarm works for every seat in the cabin. This set of elements allows us to call the level of safety a balanced one: even the basic equipment provides a sense of confidence, and advanced versions give access to modern functions that support the driver on the road without excessive complexity.

Salon equipment

The centrepiece of the interior is a large 14.6-inch display. The interface is adapted for 4G communication, GPS navigation, Bluetooth and a built-in modem.

The interior is trimmed with artificial leather, the driver's seat is electrically operated, and there are front and rear armrests. Additionally available:

• Wireless charging of your smartphone
• Built-in video recorder
• Face recognition (in LiDAR versions)

Climate and comfort

Each version has dual-zone automatic climate control. The cabin has rear air ducts, flow control, and power windows with anti-jamming protection.

Warranty: typical for China

The manufacturer provides a warranty:

• 5 years or 150,000 km

Separate conditions usually apply to the battery and the electric motor, but they are not detailed in open sources.

Who is this car for?

The GAC Aion RT looks like a good option for a city driver looking for a simple and economical alternative to a car with an internal combustion engine. It can also be a good choice for a business owner who needs a company car or a vehicle for a corporate fleet. This electric sedan will also be of interest to those who have already driven models such as the Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe and want to upgrade to something more modern without spending too much money. It is also a suitable option for a family looking for a comfortable, practical car for daily trips, without frills and pathos.

Conclusion.

The GAC Aion RT leaves a very clear impression: this is not an electric car for "playing around", but a real everyday tool. It doesn't claim to be a luxury or sports car, but it doesn't look cheap or crude either. On the contrary, it honestly does what it promises: it drives, saves, charges quickly, and provides the necessary functions. Without unnecessary complexity, without intrusive "smart" control, without the illusion of full autopilot.

It has a good balance of reasonable power, acceptable range, simple maintenance and modern electronic equipment. For Ukrainian conditions, this is a really viable option. It can be used as a family car, as an urban work tool, and as a business vehicle. And all of this can be adapted to local realities, not just for a nice presentation at an exhibition.

Frequently asked questions