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Indulgent deceleration: Aiways presents new #LoveYourDrive content format
  • Innovative thermal management: the CATL sandwich battery of the Aiways U5 SUV and Aiways U6 SUV-Coupé ensures high performance even at extremely low temperatures
  • Simple range maximization: With intelligent charging planning and use of the preconditioning option, a lot of range can be gained in winter
  • Safe driving: With the seven tips in the Aiways Winter Guide, you are not only safe, but also comfortable and can enjoy the winter season to the fullest
 

Shanghai/Munich, November 30, 2023 – The onset of the cold season poses a number of challenges for drivers. This is especially true for drivers of electric cars. The combination of low temperatures, icy roads and the need to optimize energy consumption requires special planning and attention. The Aiways Winter Guide offers valuable tips and strategies to get your vehicle through the winter in the best possible way.

 

The Aiways U5 SUV and the Aiways U6 SUV-Coupé were tested under extreme cold conditions. Both models have withstood a tough testing and validation procedure under real winter conditions in the depths of winter in Heihe in the Chinese province of Heilongjiang. The high-voltage traction battery was exposed to temperatures as low as minus 30°C to ensure the comfortable and safe operation of the vehicles in everyday use.

“The particular challenge for use in extreme climatic conditions at sub-zero temperatures lies in the physical and chemical relationships within the battery cells,” explains Zeeshan Shaikh, Head of Aiways Technical Center Munich. “Temperatures below zero degrees Celsius increase the viscosity of the electrolyte fluid and slow down the transport of electrons, which limits the available discharge capacity and also slows down the charging of the vehicle battery. Our CATL sandwich battery therefore ensures maximum performance in every situation thanks to innovative, state-of-the-art active thermal management.”

EV-specific tips for the winter

To further optimize the range in winter, you can observe the following points, which apply not only to the Aiways models U5 SUV and U6 SUV-Coupé, but to all battery-electric vehicles:

Plan departure times and adjust loading behavior

If you always leave at the same time in the morning and have a charging facility on site, you should end the charging process as close as possible to the departure time.The high charging power of up to 11 kilowatts on a three-phase wallbox heats up the battery pack cells and avoids a “cold start”, which improves the performance of the high-voltage battery compared to a battery that has not been preconditioned.

Use preconditioning of the interior

The new Aiways U6 SUV-Coupé has an efficient heat pump system as standard to heat the interior. Nevertheless, compared to a conventional combustion engine, there is hardly any superfluous waste heat from the drive system to warm up the interior. If you want to maximize your range, you should therefore rely on preconditioning the interior during the charging process. The “auxiliary heating” can also be conveniently started via the Aiways app on a smartphone.

Drive snow-free and with the correct air pressure

The key to maximum efficiency lies in avoiding unnecessary driving resistance. In winter, this applies above all to supposedly mundane things such as meticulously clearing snow from the vehicle. Residues on the hood and roof are a large contact surface for the airstream and thus increase air resistance. The same applies to the tires: too little air pressure results in higher rolling resistance. Both are not only detrimental to driving safety, but also to fuel consumption and thus the range of the vehicle.

General tips for preparing the vehicle for the winter season

  • 1. Adapted tires for optimum safety

Changing to winter or all-season tires is not only required by law in most European countries but is also crucial for your driving safety in the cold season. Below 7 degrees Celsius, winter tires offer better grip and prevent slipping on snow and ice. Check the tread depth and make sure the air pressure is correct. A tread depth of at least 4 mm and regular pressure checks are recommended to ensure optimum driving characteristics.

  • 2. 12V battery check: ready for use even in the cold

The 12V battery also suffers from the cold in winter. Check its condition regularly and keep the connections clean and tight. A battery test before winter helps to avoid unpleasant surprises. In the Aiways U5 SUV, you can easily keep an eye on the battery voltage in the driver info display at all times.

  • 3. Windshield washer system: Clear visibility in all weather conditions

A well-functioning windshield washer system is essential in winter. Top up with antifreeze regularly to prevent freezing. Check that the spray nozzles are working properly and realign them if necessary. This will help you avoid dangerous blind flights caused by dirt and road salt on the windshield.

  • 4. Wiper blades: Effective cleaning of the windshield

Check the condition of your wiper blades. Brittle or damaged wiper blades should be replaced to ensure optimum cleaning of the windshield. Raise the wiper arms in frosty weather to prevent them from freezing and to protect the rubber lips.

  • 5. Interior care against moisture

A clean and dry interior prevents the windows from misting up. Remove dirt and moisture regularly, especially from under the floor mats. Dry floor mats and regular ventilation help to reduce moisture in the vehicle.

  • 6. Check lighting

Good lighting is particularly important in winter. Check all lights regularly to ensure they are working and clean. Replace defective lights immediately to ensure optimum visibility.

  • 7. Don’t forget your winter accessories

Equip your vehicle with an ice scraper and a snow broom. Keep the roof and hood clear of snow to ensure visibility and safety. Snow chains should be ready to hand in the trunk in snowy regions.

With these tips, you and your electric car will be well prepared for the cold season. Regular maintenance and care are the key to safe and comfortable driving in winter.

-Ends-

  • Drivestyle Storytelling: With #LoveYourDrive, Aiways launches a series of travel recommendations not only for electric car enthusiasts, which is intended to ensure deceleration, conscious perception of the environment and the discovery of new places.
  • A culinary short trip through Portugal: The first route is an inspiring itinerary from Lisbon to Porto with stops at picturesque places, cultural sights and culinary highlights
  • More routes: The #loveyourdrive series will be continuously expanded to offer electric car drivers more unique and relaxing travel experiences across Europe

 

Shanghai/Munich, May 15, 2023. It’s not just the automotive industry that’s in flux; the pace of progress in other sectors is also breathtaking. Keeping up is not always easy, especially if the drive is missing. That’s why Aiways is launching the #loveyourdrive campaign, which is intended not only to slow things down with short everyday escapes, but also to open up new horizons and literally recharge the battery and help it gain new energy.


The first recommended route of the #LoveYourDrive tours starts in the Portuguese capital Lisbon. Over a short 320 kilometers, it focuses primarily on Portugal’s culinary specialties, which were surprisingly often shaped by international influences from the seafaring nation.

Not only aerodynamic efficiency, but also outstanding spaciousness

From the capital, we head directly west to the sea. There awaits Cascais, a charming fishing village on the coast, which has developed into a popular vacation resort. Relax on the beach and enjoy a good coffee in one of the countless beach bars – especially at dawn at sunrise the view over the rough Atlantic coast offers breathtaking scenery.

Continue on to the picturesque town of Sintra, known for its magnificent castles and gardens. Here, be sure to visit the Castle of Pena, the Palace of Monserrate and the National Palace of Sintra. After the extensive sightseeing, we recommend a visit to the restaurant “Tascantiga”, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes such as “Arroz de Pato”.

Why is “Arroz de Pato” a must for Dr. Alexander Klose on every trip to Portugal?

“Arroz de Pato, or duck rice, is a traditional Portuguese dish that originated in the Minho region in the northwest of the country. The origin of this dish dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese cuisine was greatly influenced by voyages of discovery and trade with other cultures. During this time, rice and exotic spices such as pepper, cloves and cinnamon were brought to Portugal. This had a great influence on the development of Portuguese cuisine,” explains Dr. Alexander Klose, Executive Vice President Overseas Operations at Aiways. “I’m fascinated by the dish mainly because they combined new flavors with familiar ones to create something completely new. This open-mindedness and trying new things, this pioneering spirit is something I personally appreciate – because it for always expanding one’s horizons.”

The dish consists mainly of rice cooked in a rich broth of duck meat, onions, garlic, tomatoes and a variety of spices. The duck is previously marinated, roasted or braised to give it an intense flavor. In some variations of the recipe, the duck rice is also enhanced with chouriço (Portuguese paprika sausage) or bacon for additional flavors and textures. After cooking, the dish is often baked in the oven for a crispy crust.

“Arroz de Pato” is often served at family gatherings and special occasions, as it is considered a feast. The combination of tender duck meat, aromatic rice and the hearty mixture of spices makes this dish a real taste sensation and an important part of Portuguese cuisine.

Afterwards, the tour will take you to Óbidos, an impressive medieval town. Here you can stroll through the cobbled streets and visit the historic buildings, the castle and the church of Santa Maria. The co-drivers should definitely try the “Ginjinha” – Óbidos is famous for this very special cherry liqueur.

A highlight for sports enthusiasts is Nazaré. The small fishing village on the coast has now become a world-famous surfing hotspot at Praia do Norte.

What makes Nazaré so attractive for surfers?

“The attraction lies in the gigantic waves, which are among the highest in the world. They are created because of a unique underwater canyon, the Nazaré Canyon, which stretches just offshore and reaches depths of up to 5,000 meters,” explains Joana Andrade, Aiways brand ambassador and the only female Portuguese big-wave surfer in Nazaré. “Its topography has a decisive influence on the creation of the huge waves. It acts as a kind of wave guide, focusing the energy of the Atlantic waves and directing them towards the coast. When the waves hit the flatter area of the coast, their height increases rapidly, creating the famous monster waves of Nazaré. The waves can reach heights of up to 30 meters, offering surfers an incredible challenge.”

For spectators, the lighthouse of Nazaré, the Farol da Nazaré, offers a fantastic vantage point to watch the surfers in action. During these months, international surfing competitions are also frequently held, guaranteeing additional excitement and spectacular scenes.

If you like it a bit more tranquil, you should continue to Aveiro. The “Venice of Portugal” awaits you with its canals and traditional boats. The culinary recommendation here is the sweet “Ovos moles” for afternoon coffee. The café “Pastelaria Rossio” is a good place to enjoy this specialty.

Destination of the trip: Porto

At the end of the road trip you will reach Porto, a charming city on the Douro River, famous for its port wineries and baroque architecture. Stroll through the historic old town and let yourself drift. A recommendation is the restaurant “Casa Guedes”, known for its delicious “Francesinha”.↳

Where does the little French girl come from?

The “Francesinha” is a traditional Portuguese sandwich that actually originated in the city of Porto. The dish dates back to the 1960s and is attributed to restaurateur Daniel da Silva. Inspired by the French croque-monsieur sandwiches, he wanted to create a Portuguese version that appealed to the tastes of his countrymen. Thus was born the “Francesinha,” which literally means “little French girl.”

The “Francesinha” consists of several layers of different meats, such as ham, smoked sausage (linguiça) and grilled steak. These layers of meat are placed between two thick slices of white bread and generously covered with melted cheese. What makes the “Francesinha” special, however, is its spicy sauce, made with tomatoes, beer, brandy and a variety of spices. The sauce is poured generously over the sandwich, giving it its characteristic flavor.

The “Francesinha” is usually served with French fries and is often offered as a main dish in restaurants and cafes. The combination of hearty meat, creamy cheese and the spicy sauce makes this dish a real taste experience and an important part of northern Portuguese cuisine.

Technical data of the trip:

Route length: Total distance of the route is about 400 kilometers.

Recommended Travel Time: Allow about 5 to 7 days for the entire trip to thoroughly enjoy the main sights along the route and have enough time for relaxation and culinary discoveries.

Best time of year: The ideal time to travel is from April to June – During these months the temperature is pleasantly warm, it is less crowded than in high season, and the landscape shows itself in its full splendor.

-Ends-

Press Releases & Media Assets

Aiways press material and an extensive selection of high-resolution photos and videos can be downloaded from the press portal media.ai-ways.eu. 

Aiways contact for media inquiries

Bernd Abel, Aiways Automobile Europe GmbH
+49 (0) 89 693135269
bernd.abel@ai-ways.eu

Georgia Chapman, Aiways Automobile Europe GmbH
+49 (0) 89 693135278
georgia.chapman@ai-ways.eu

About Aiways

Founded in 2017, Aiways is a Shanghai-based personal mobility provider with its European HQ in Munich, Germany. It was the first Chinese start-up to introduce an electric vehicle to the European market with the launch of the U5 in 2020 – a battery-electric SUV with impressive range, style, and quality. Aiways is rapidly continuing its expansion in Europe and beyond: order books are open in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, France, Israel, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Slovenia – with more markets to follow. The U5 SUV is produced at Aiways’ smart production facility in Shangrao – one of the most modern car production facilities in China. The IT-controlled processes with challenging quality gates follow the standards of Industry 4.0. With an initial production capacity of 150,000 units per annum, Aiways can increase this number to 300,000 units when global EV demand rises. Aiways’ next model for Europe will be the battery-electric U6 SUV-Coupé. With a focus on sophisticated aerodynamics, highly connected driving, safety technology, and a sporty design, the U6 SUV-Coupé is just the next chapter of Aiways’ promising future.

© AIWAYS Automobile Europe GmbH