Avatr Battles Blogger

Avatr’s Dispute

Recently, there’s been quite a spectacle involving Avatr, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, and a local auto blogger named Zurich Bei Le Ye. This whole saga started when the blogger contested Avatr’s claim about the aerodynamic efficiency of their all-electric Avatr 12. According to the company’s glossy marketing, the car boasts an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.2175. However, after running his own tests, the blogger found the coefficient to be higher at 0.281.

Live Wind Tunnel Test

In response, Avatr went all out by staging a live wind tunnel demonstration. Their test recorded a drag coefficient of 0.2175 at around 74.5 mph, although that figure depended heavily on a few factors. Swapping out traditional wing mirrors for side cameras and opting for low-drag wheels were some of these factors. Once they switched to sport wheels, the drag increased to 0.2326. When traditional wing mirrors and a raised suspension were added, the coefficient increased further to 0.2509.

The Lawsuit

Despite this public demonstration, the real turning point was Avatr’s decision to file a lawsuit against the blogger for a whopping $1.4 million. The company claims the blogger’s comments caused substantial economic and reputational damage. The situation thickened when Avatr accused the blogger of participating in a broader “black PR” campaign, a type of corporate sabotage involving the deliberate spread of misleading information.

Driving Experience

As for the Avatr 12 itself, setting aside the numbers game, the car offers a smooth and dynamic driving experience. It glides over the asphalt, thanks to its aerodynamic design, which works well—provided the conditions are ideal. Compare this to a Tesla; while not entirely in the same league as Tesla’s sporty handling, the Avatr 12 delivers a competent drive, akin to vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq in terms of comfort and setup.

Controversy and Competition

The backdrop to this whole affair is the ever-intensifying competition within the Chinese electric vehicle market. Companies are jockeying for position, and such skirmishes might become more common as they vie for dominance. Avatr even put out a reward of around $694,000 for information that can substantiate claims of any clandestine operation against them.

The claims and disputes between Avatr and the blogger might significantly impact consumer trust, not just for Avatr but potentially across the market. This case will be one to watch as it unfolds, especially given its potential implications in a rapidly evolving industry.