Huawei has unveiled its first-ever vehicle, the Aito M5, a gasoline-electric hybrid crossover that features HarmonyOS. The company says it’s a worthy rival to the Tesla Model Y. That’s a high bar to clear, so can Huawei back up its claims?
On paper, the Aito M5 seems like a compelling, if not novel, option in an increasingly crowded Chinese EV market. It’s the first vehicle to come equipped with Huawei’s HarmonyOS. That’s a significant step in Huawei’s quest to build its own software after being locked out of the United States market since 2019.
Huawei started diversifying its product lines, moving into categories with much to offer in terms of innovation and profit. The presence of HarmonyOS inside the Aito M5 could give us a glimpse of where Huawei is at with its autonomous driving technology.
For Richard Yu, who leads Huawei’s consumer business group and its intelligent automotive unit, the company is ahead of its competition. Yu says the Aito M5 surpasses the Tesla Model Y in peak power and driving range. It also undercuts the Model Y in pricing, with the Aito M5 coming in at about 250,000 yuan (P1.96 million) after government subsidies. By contrast, Tesla sells the Model Y in China starting at 281,000 yuan (P2.2 million).
Huawei unveils its first hybrid electric vehicle in China
The Seres Aito M5 is the first vehicle to feature Huawei’s HarmonyOS.
Autodeal on Dec 27, 2021You are here:HomeLatest StoriesNewsHuawei unveils its first hybrid electric vehicle in China
Huawei has unveiled its first-ever vehicle, the Aito M5, a gasoline-electric hybrid crossover that features HarmonyOS. The company says it’s a worthy rival to the Tesla Model Y. That’s a high bar to clear, so can Huawei back up its claims?
On paper, the Aito M5 seems like a compelling, if not novel, option in an increasingly crowded Chinese EV market. It’s the first vehicle to come equipped with Huawei’s HarmonyOS. That’s a significant step in Huawei’s quest to build its own software after being locked out of the United States market since 2019.
Huawei started diversifying its product lines, moving into categories with much to offer in terms of innovation and profit. The presence of HarmonyOS inside the Aito M5 could give us a glimpse of where Huawei is at with its autonomous driving technology.
For Richard Yu, who leads Huawei’s consumer business group and its intelligent automotive unit, the company is ahead of its competition. Yu says the Aito M5 surpasses the Tesla Model Y in peak power and driving range. It also undercuts the Model Y in pricing, with the Aito M5 coming in at about 250,000 yuan (P1.96 million) after government subsidies. By contrast, Tesla sells the Model Y in China starting at 281,000 yuan (P2.2 million).
Of course, a few things set Tesla’s entry-level crossover to Huawei’s debut effort. The Model Y is fully electric, while the Aito M5 is a gasoline-electric hybrid. That could hurt its prospects with customers who have since moved on from the internal combustion engine. And unlike Tesla, Huawei doesn’t build the Aito M5 itself. Instead, it relies on the car manufacturing chops of Seres, a US-based Chinese automaker founded in 2016.
From what Huawei has showcased, it appears the company is taking a different approach to EVs than many of its competition. Whether that pans out remains to be seen, but the vehicle does have some things going for it. Huawei says you can unlock the Aito M5 using one of the brand’s smartwatches. It’s a nifty feature, and one you’ll find on the Seres Aito M5 when it launches in China in 2022.
Related Articles
Reservation books for the BYD Tang DM-i are now openJAECOO officially launches the J7 SHS in the PhilippinesHongqi unveils its updated lineup of flagship models with the E-QM5 Plus and E-HS9The new Ford Territory gets an electrifying updateThe Ford Bronco is going electric – in China
Latest News
- Hyundai unveils the updated Stargazer MPV / NewsJerome Tresvalles · Oct 14, 2025The 2026 Hyundai Stargazer has landed in the Philippines with a fresh look, improved cabin, and upgraded tech features.
- Nissan teases its future product line at the Japan Mobility Show / NewsShaynah Miranda · Oct 14, 2025Nissan gives a look at what’s coming with the all-new LEAF and other future-ready vehicles at this year’s show.
- JETOUR Auto Philippines joins UAAGI brand portfolio / NewsAutodeal · Oct 13, 2025Renowned automotive powerhouse UAAGI continues to expand its lineup as it officially welcomes JETOUR Auto Philippines to its portfolio.
Popular Articles
- Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the PhilippinesJerome Tresvalles · Sep 02, 2024
- First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beatJun 18, 2021
- Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to knowEarl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
- Most fuel efficient family cars in the PhilippinesBryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
- 2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to knowJoey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
- Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunksSep 20, 2023
- Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
- Why oil changes are important for your carEarl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
- 2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about itJoey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
- Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the PhilippinesJoey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020
