Aiways U5 SUV completes epic 7000km journey through harsh winter conditions in eNordkapp challenge
- Aiways U5 SUV takes on eNordkapp challenge; over 7000km of electric-only driving
- Scandinavian winter creates exceptionally challenging circumstances for electric mobility
- U5 SUV disproves myths around EV performance in cold weather
Shanghai/Munich, February 2, 2022 – The Aiways U5 SUV has successfully completed one of the most demanding driving challenges in Europe. Not for the fainthearted, the eNordkapp challenge attracts thrill seekers willing to take on the 7,000 kilometer trip from Flensburg, up to the Nordkapp (North Cape) in northern Norway, and back to Germany where it ends in Lübeck. Set against grueling conditions, the brave teams face snowstorms, short days, ice driving and temperatures of down to minus 20 degrees Celsius along the route.
The U5 SUV from Shanghai-based EV start-up Aiways was a newcomer to the eNordkapp challenge, which is now in its tenth year. 19 teams took part in the event, each driving a different model from the vast choice of EVs available today. The challenge is not about crossing the finish line first or most distance covered, but a test of endurance and resilience. The route is set specifically to present each EV with a set of adverse conditions that push it to its limits.
The Aiways U5 SUV was driven by Dennis Schulmeyer, Managing Director of EV charging technology company Lade, and friend Manuel Zagovec. The pair chose to enter due to their shared personal experiences with e-mobility and professional interest in the advanced Norwegian charging infrastructure.
Dennis Shulmeyer said, “The U5 SUV was the perfect vehicle for this drive. Not only was it extremely comfortable for hours behind the wheel, but it performed well in unfavorable conditions. It is true that electric vehicles perform differently in colder temperatures, but the U5 SUV was exceptionally capable and proved to be a powerful asset for our team in this challenge. A huge advantage for us was how quickly an EV can generate heat in the cabin – definitely needed on those nights where the gauge approached minus 20! The U5 SUV makes electric mobility truly reliable and convenient, which is a great inspiration as we’re doing the same with charging points.”
Mikael Nilsen, Director of Aftersales at Aiways Europe, added: “We were very happy to support Dennis taking part in the eNordkapp challenge, and seeing how the U5 SUV performed in the harshest conditions. The resulting data showed a car pushed to its limits, but not defeated – it just needed a thorough clean once home!”.
Norway is well supplied with EV charging infrastructure, and despite the distance and remote locations, charging points were so prolific that the U5 SUV never needed to stop for more than an hour to charge. However, the road conditions and adverse weather meant the team were not able to travel more than 500km a day. The cold conditions and rolling resistance increased demand on the battery and, at times, consumption was up to 25 kWh/100km but this is still better than an ICE vehicle – with the added advantage of zero emissions.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Norwegian winter, the U5 SUV capably navigated snow-covered roads up to the Nordkapp (the North Cape) – the most northern point in Europe accessible by road. Followers were kept up to date with its progress via live tracking and social media feeds throughout the 13-day drive.
To date, the U5 SUV has taken part in many prestigious long-distance drive events across Europe successfully completing the ED1000 and E-Cannonball endurance drives and winning the Riviera Electric Challenge in 2021.
