Key Points
- GAC has confirmed a short-range AION UT will join its Australian EV lineup in late 2026
- The variant uses a smaller 44kWh Magazine Battery 2.0 pack for a GAC-estimated 320km WLTP range, down from 430km in the current model
- Local pricing and full specifications are not yet confirmed, though the current AION UT starts from $31,990 driveaway nationwide
GAC has confirmed a cheaper, shorter-range version of the AION UT is coming to Australia. The new variant will join the existing lineup in late 2026, giving buyers a lower-cost entry point into the brand's compact electric hatchback.
The announcement comes as GAC works to defend its position in an increasingly crowded budget EV segment, where the BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 have both launched below the AION UT's current entry price this year. GAC has not confirmed local pricing or full specifications for the short-range model, with more detail promised closer to launch.
What GAC Has Confirmed So Far
GAC Australia CEO Kevin Shu said the change was designed to give buyers a more accessible way into the AION UT, following demand for a cheaper entry-level EV. The short-range variant swaps the standard 60kWh LFP Magazine Battery 2.0 pack for a smaller 44kWh unit, which GAC describes as one of the safest battery pack designs in its class.
What is a Magazine Battery?
GAC's LFP Magazine Battery is its proprietary battery-pack technology. It uses LFP cells, with the "Magazine" referring primarily to the pack's safety architecture, rather than a new cell chemistry or cell shape.
GAC has advised an indicative WLTP range figure of 320km on the short-range model, though the company has flagged this as an estimate ahead of final local testing. That is 110km less than the 430km claimed for the existing 60kWh AION UT.
GAC has not released Australian pricing, motor output, or a full features list for the short-range model. In its statement, GAC noted the imagery supporting the announcement shows the existing AION UT Premium, with local specification for the new variant still to be finalised.
Short-Range vs Long-Range: How the AION UT Compares
Here is how the confirmed short-range specs compare to the current AION UT, based on what GAC has released so far.
AION UT Short-Range vs Current Long-Range
Spec | AION UT Standard Range (est., late 2026) | AION UT Premium (current) | |
Battery | 44kWh LFP | 60kWh LFP | |
WLTP Range | 320km | 430km | |
Motor Output | Not yet confirmed for Australia | 150kW / 210Nm | |
0-100km/h | Not yet confirmed | 7.3 seconds | |
Availability | Late 2026 | On sale now | |
Price (before on-road costs) | Not yet confirmed | From $31,990 |
GAC currently has the Aion UT Premium on a $31,990 drive away offer deal until 30 September 2026.
How Might It Compare on Price?
GAC has not confirmed Australian pricing for the short-range AION UT. Based on pricing in overseas markets expect a list price for the short-range AION UT somewhere between roughly $26,000 and $28,000 before on-road costs. Noting the list price for the AION UT Premium is $31,990 (before on-road costs).
How the Short-Range AION UT Might Stack Up Against Cheaper Rivals
If GAC's estimated 320km range and sub-$30,000 positioning hold up, the short-range AION UT would compete directly with Australia's cheapest EVs: the BYD Atto 1 and the Geely EX2. Here is how the confirmed specs of those models compare to what GAC has revealed about the AION UT short-range variant so far.
Budget EV Comparison: AION UT vs Atto 1 vs Geely EX2
Spec | AION UT Standard Range (est.) | BYD Atto 1 Essential | Geely EX2 Complete |
Price (before on-road costs) | Not yet confirmed (est. $26,000-$28,000) | $23,990 | $26,490 |
Battery | 44kWh LFP | 30kWh LFP | 35.3kWh LFP |
WLTP Range | 320km | 220km | 252km |
Motor Output | Not yet confirmed | 65kW / 175Nm | 60kW / 150Nm |
Drive Type | FWD | FWD | RWD |
DC Fast Charging (peak) | Not yet confirmed | 65kW | 60kW |
The short-range AION UT would sit above the Atto 1 Essential on price but ahead of both budget rivals on range, at a similar or possibly lower price point than the Geely EX2 Complete.
What Happens Next
GAC says further details on the short-range AION UT, including local pricing, specification, and an exact on-sale date, will be released in the coming months. Zecar will update this article once GAC confirms those details.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
