Avatr, a high-end electric vehicle brand co-founded by Chinese tech giant Huawei, battery leader CATL, and automaker Changan, recently had its latest 07 SUV model photographed undergoing road testing in New South Wales, Australia. This development signals the brand’s active preparations to enter the Australian market. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Chongqing, China, Avatr maintains design and engineering hubs in Shanghai and Munich, Germany, with the Australian testing phase marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy.
The Avatr 07 SUV features a LiDAR sensor mounted on its roof. Although the vehicle was wrapped in camouflage, its front daytime running lights match those of the 07 model currently sold in China. The model has been in production in China since 2024. It is powered by an 82.16 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by CATL, delivering a CLTC range of up to 650 km in China and an estimated WLTP range of approximately 500 km in Australia. The 07 SUV is available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time as low as 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.
The vehicle integrates Huawei’s infotainment and autonomous driving technologies, supporting fast charging capabilities that The Driven describes as among the fastest in the market. The Avatr 07 is already on sale in right-hand-drive markets such as Thailand and Singapore, where its pricing is comparable to the Tesla Model Y Premium RWD. The testing photos in Australia were initially captured by a user named Thomas and later shared on social media platform X by Roland from the Australian electric vehicle outlet ZappedAu.
Avatr has yet to disclose official launch timing, pricing, or detailed specifications for the Australian market. However, based on the ongoing testing activities and the model’s established presence in other right-hand-drive markets, industry observers widely anticipate the 07 SUV will debut in Australia later this year. The model has already garnered attention in China for combining Huawei’s smart technology with CATL’s battery expertise, showcasing the competitive edge of Chinese EV brands in technological integration. Nevertheless, Avatr has not clarified whether the Australian version will meet local regulations for charging speeds or autonomous driving functionality, nor has it announced partnerships with local distributors.
Avatr is a joint venture between three industry leaders—Changan Automobile, CATL, and Huawei—each contributing expertise in vehicle manufacturing, battery technology, and smart systems, respectively. The Australian road tests represent a pivotal moment as the brand expands into global markets. As Chinese EV manufacturers accelerate their international presence, the Avatr 07 SUV’s launch in Australia will serve as a key indicator of the competitiveness of Chinese brands on the world stage.
