Avatr Technology has extended an invitation to Elon Musk to witness wind tunnel tests of their Avatr 12 model following controversy surrounding the car’s drag coefficient. This move comes after a video surfaced questioning the accuracy of Avatr 12’s drag coefficient, prompting skepticism within the automotive community.
In a statement posted on Weibo, Avatr Technology called out Elon Musk for sharing misleading information about the Avatr 12’s wind resistance coefficient. The company, which boasts backing from major players like Changan Automobile, CATL, and Huawei, expressed their willingness to conduct wind tunnel tests on the Avatr 12 and invited Musk to observe the process firsthand.
It’s worth noting that Elon Musk is not the founder of Tesla but rather the CEO of the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer. The video in question was initially shared by an automotive blogger on Weibo, suggesting that the Avatr 12’s drag coefficient was higher than advertised, raising concerns about the car’s performance.
The blogger’s tests revealed that the Avatr 12’s wind resistance at 120 kilometers per hour was measured at 0.2818, significantly higher than the 0.21 figure claimed by Avatr. In response, Avatr’s legal team refuted the blogger’s claims, stating that the information was false and emphasizing the importance of relying on official product specifications.
Elon Musk’s retweet of the video on his X platform added fuel to the fire, drawing more attention to the issue. However, the video has since been removed from mainstream social media platforms in China for reasons unknown, despite the blogger’s assertion that he did not delete it.
Avatr, formerly known as Changan Nio, was founded as a joint venture between Changan and Nio in 2018. The company underwent a rebranding in 2021, with Changan, CATL, and Huawei announcing a renewed focus on electric vehicles under the Avatr brand. The Avatr 12 sedan, launched in 2023 and updated in 2024, continues to be a key offering in the company’s lineup, with a starting price of RMB 269,900 ($37,370).
The controversy surrounding the Avatr 12’s drag coefficient highlights the importance of accurate information in the automotive industry. As Avatr prepares to conduct wind tunnel tests to address these concerns, all eyes will be on Elon Musk to see if he accepts their invitation to witness the process firsthand. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
