By Amara Osei

Aiva's ME7 battery-electric SUV has entered China's 412th batch of MIIT new vehicle filings, positioning the model within months of a market launch. Seres (HKEX: 9927) appears as the manufacturer of record in the catalog released Friday.

The filing marks a regulatory milestone for Aiva, the brand Saidou Technology launched on June 9. Saidou said at launch that its lineup would primarily target vehicles priced above 200,000 yuan ($29,750).

How big is the ME7?

The ME7 measures 4,999 mm long, 1,999 mm wide and 1,616 mm tall. Its wheelbase spans 3,050 mm. Aiva designed the all-electric SUV as a five-seat fastback crossover. Dimensionally, it sits above the Tesla Model Y in length.

What did the filing reveal?

The MIIT catalog disclosed two powertrain variants. The single-motor version uses a rear-mounted 270 kW (362 hp) unit. Curb weight ranges from 2,295 kg to 2,370 kg. The dual-motor variant adds a 150 kW front motor, bringing system output to 420 kW. Its curb weight spans 2,425 kg to 2,480 kg. Both versions top out at 255 km/h and tow 700 kg. Towing capacity remains uncommon for Chinese-market BEVs.

What suppliers are confirmed?

CATL (HKEX: 3750) supplies the ternary lithium-ion battery packs for both variants. Battery capacity and driving range remain undisclosed, an absence that suggests Aiva has not finalized homologation data. Saidou's own volume projections and capacity plans also remain unstated.

What tech stack does Aiva plan?

Aiva has partnered with ByteDance's Volcano Engine. Volcano will provide the Doubao large language model and the smart cockpit stack. Aiva does not plan to use Huawei's Qiankun smart driving system, unlike Seres' Aito marque. Local media have reported Aiva is in talks with DeepRoute for assisted driving software, though neither side has confirmed a deal. The lack of a stated ADAS partner at filing stage leaves Aiva's driver-assist story incomplete.

Where will the ME7 be built?

LatePost reported in August, citing people familiar, that the ME7 will debut in 2026. Pre-orders open in early 2027. Aiva plans to build the model at Seres' Phoenix factory. Saidou is also in discussions with CATL to join the supplier's battery-swap network. That deal would give the ME7 access to public swap infrastructure.

Who owns Aiva?

Saidou, formerly Seres' Landian Technology, completed a capital increase and ownership restructuring this year. Shaci Zhiyuan, backed by Chongqing state capital, holds the largest stake at about 34.5%. Seres retains roughly 32.96%. CATL holds around 9.89% through an investment platform. The structure gives Seres manufacturing leverage but leaves Saidou short of majority control.

What to watch next

The MIIT filing clears a procedural hurdle, not a commercial launch. Watch for homologation data: battery capacity, range, and final pricing. Aiva has yet to publish any of these numbers. Pre-order timing in early 2027 will test whether Saidou's pricing thesis above 200,000 yuan holds in China's crowded mid-premium EV market.