Neta L Poised to Challenge BYD Song Plus in China's NEV Market

New Mid-Size Crossover to Hit Showrooms in April

Neta, a rising star in China's electric vehicle (EV) market, is gearing up to take on the established BYD Song Plus with the upcoming launch of the Neta L crossover. Deliveries for the Neta L are set to begin in April, offering both pure electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) variants to cater to diverse customer needs.

Missed Sales Targets Spur Growth Strategy

Neta fell short of its 2023 sales target of 250,000 units, prompting the company to seek new avenues for growth. The Neta L is expected to be a key driver in this strategy, leveraging its competitive positioning against the popular BYD Song Plus (known as the Seal U in Europe).

Launch Delay Ensures Product Refinement

Originally scheduled for a March launch, the Neta L's debut has been pushed back to April. This delay, as explained by Neta co-founder and CEO Zhang Yong, allows the company to refine the vehicle's configuration and deliver a truly exceptional product.

Technical Specifications: Powertrain and Dimensions

The Neta L is a mid-size crossover built on the brand's Shanhai architecture. It boasts a spacious interior with dimensions of 4770mm in length, 1900mm in width, and 1660mm in height, riding on a 2810mm wheelbase. These measurements position it slightly smaller than the BYD Song Plus.

Electric and EREV Options for Versatility

The EV variant of the Neta L features a single 170 kW electric motor powered by a 69 kWh LFP battery pack from SVOLT, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motor. This configuration delivers a CLTC range of 510 km, coming close to the BYD Song Plus EV's standard 520 km CLTC range.

The EREV variant ups the ante with the addition of a 1.5-liter 67 kW engine from Dongfeng. This engine functions solely as a generator, extending the range of the vehicle using the 30.1 kWh or 30.4 kWh SVOLT battery packs or the 40.27 kWh CATL battery pack.

Premium Interior with Modern Touches

The Neta L's interior boasts a five-seater layout with a modern design. Highlights include a large twin-screen setup reminiscent of Li Auto vehicles, a D-shaped steering wheel with a column-mounted gear selector, and a thin instrument panel. The minimalist center tunnel offers additional storage with cup holders and a wireless charging pad. The second row provides passenger comfort with a center armrest and foldable tables.

Pricing and Market Outlook

While official pricing is yet to be revealed, CarNewsChina estimates the Neta L to fall within the 150,000 – 250,000 yuan (USD 20,800 – 34,700) price range. Beyond the Neta L's China launch, Neta has ambitious plans for 2024. The company aims to introduce the Neta SS station wagon alongside boosting annual overseas sales to 100,000 units. To support this goal, Neta established its first overseas plant in Thailand last year and is exploring further manufacturing ventures in Malaysia.

Neta L's arrival signifies a new chapter in the burgeoning Chinese NEV market. Its competitive features and strategic positioning pose a significant challenge to the BYD Song Plus. As Neta expands its global reach, the coming year promises exciting developments for the brand and the future of electric mobility.