New short-range GAC Aion UT targets cheapest EVs with 320km range

Key takeaways

• GAC Aion UT short-range EV lands in Australia late 2026
• Up to 320km WLTP range from a 44kWh battery
• Pricing unconfirmed, but expected below $31,990 driveaway

GAC has confirmed a new short-range version of the Aion UT for Australia due to arrive late 2026.

The budget-focused EV pairs a smaller 44kWh Magazine Battery 2.0 pack with up to 320km of claimed WLTP range. Pricing has not been locked in, but it shapes up as a likely new entry point to the GAC Aion UT range and a direct shot at the cheapest EVs on sale.

What we know about the short-range Aion UT

The short-range model swaps the current car's larger pack for a 44kWh Magazine Battery 2.0 unit, which GAC describes as one of the safest battery packs in the world.

That smaller battery still returns up to 320km of WLTP range, though GAC lists this as an estimate at this stage. It is built for city and suburban driving rather than long hauls, but 320km covers commuting, school runs and weekend trips comfortably.

Full local specification is still to come. GAC says details will be shared over the coming months.

Short-range Aion UT specs

2026 GAC Aion UT pricing

GAC has not confirmed pricing for the short-range variant. What we do know is where the existing Aion UT sits, which gives a useful guide to how the cheaper model might land.

See GAC Aion UT driveaway pricing and specifications →

The short-range model is expected to slot in below the current $31,990 entry price. How far below is the real question.

To claim the title of Australia's cheapest EV, it would need to undercut the BYD Atto 1 which starts from $27,097 driveaway in NSW.

GAC Australia CEO Kevin Shu said the brand was responding to clear local demand. "GAC is committed to delivering products that are tailored to the needs of Australian consumers, and in this instance, the call for more accessible entry-level EVs was particularly strong," Shu said.

Geely EX2 the real target?

Read the timing and this looks less like a broad budget play and more like a direct answer to the Geely EX2, which only just landed under $30,000 and jumped straight to second on Australia's cheapest-EV list.

Price the short-range Aion UT near the EX2 Complete's $29,416 (NSW driveaway) and it counters 320km of range against the Geely's 252km, the same price band with a clear range advantage. That is a harder number for Geely to shrug off than another price cut.

Frequently asked questions

How much will the short-range GAC Aion UT cost?

GAC has not confirmed pricing yet. The current Aion UT starts from $31,990 driveaway, and the short-range model is expected to sit below that when it launches in late 2026.

When does the short-range GAC Aion UT go on sale in Australia?

GAC has confirmed a late 2026 launch, with full local specification and pricing due closer to that date.

What is the range of the short-range GAC Aion UT?

GAC claims up to 320km of WLTP range from its 44kWh Magazine Battery 2.0 pack, listed as an estimate for now.

Is the GAC Aion UT the cheapest EV in Australia?

No. The cheapest EV in Australia is currently the BYD Atto 1 from $27,097 driveaway. The short-range Aion UT could narrow the gap, but GAC has not confirmed a price.