Avatr Responds to Antarctic Testing Controversy: Vehicle to Remain for 16-Month Cross-Season Validation

[Company Update] Avatr has clarified the controversy sparked by its Antarctic testing promotion, confirming that the Avatr 12 will remain at Zhongshan Station in Antarctica until April 2027.

⚡ Core Development: 16-Month Cross-Season Testing Replaces Short-Term Extreme Cold Marketing

Avatr acknowledged that its earlier promotional materials did not fully disclose the testing timeline. The vehicle arrived at Zhongshan Station on December 7, during the Southern Hemisphere summer, when local temperatures ranged from approximately -1°C to 5°C—significantly milder than the advertised "-50°C extreme cold." In response to public skepticism, the company emphasized that the vehicle will stay with China's 42nd Antarctic Research Expedition for over 16 months, experiencing the full cycle of polar seasonal environmental changes.

🔍 Strategic Foundation: Leveraging Scientific Missions for Long-Term Technical Validation

This initiative is integrated into the itinerary of the research icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon). Although the arrival occurred in summer due to mission scheduling constraints, Avatr explicitly stated it will not return the vehicle shortly. The goal is to validate the reliability of new energy vehicles under genuine polar conditions over an extended period, rather than pursuing short-term marketing appeal.