Chinese automakers are likely in the front-runner position for mass-producing battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) that will be available globally at affordable pricing across all vehicle classes. Aside from this, there have been significant price reductions as Chinese solar panel manufacturers increased production. This led to significant expansion globally in the utility-scale, C&I, and residential solar industries, according to CleanTechnica.
Due to the high domestic demand, Chinese EV manufacturers have been increasing output. Although they have already begun to export some of these vehicles to Europe and other locations, they are now beginning to truly position themselves for more extensive international exports.
Major players like BYD and SAIC have been very upbeat about their long-term goals. Instances include the MG ZS EVand the MG5 station wagon, which SAIC has been making significant headway within Europe. Now that the MG4 has been added to the range, SIAC is looking into further international markets.
Meanwhile, a “hot hatch” all-wheel drive variant of the MG4 is coming out the following year, targeting the popular hatchback market. The MG4 is already being introduced to the UK market at a comparable price to the VW Golf.
-VW Golf 8 Life (ICE), 1.0 TSI, 6-speed Manual, 108 hp, price £25,340
-MG4, 50.8 kWh (Net), 168 hp, price £25,995
This pricing would encourage more people to electric vehicle shift.
On the other hand, the Hozon Neta V is another vehicle positioned to change the face of the automotive industry in a different popular category and price range in Asia and other markets. In support of Hozon‘s efforts to expand internationally, there is already a right-hand drive international version of the Hozon Neta.
Along with a number of other electric models from BYD, SAIC, Cherry, Changan, Great Wall, and Leap Motor, the Neta V has been a familiar sight in the top 20 Chinese NEV sales lists for some time.
Recently introduced in Thailand, the starting price of the Neta V is around 549,000 baht ($15,000). Interestingly, it costs the same as prominent ICE vehicles like the Toyota Yaris and is manufactured in China. It is also expected to be built in Thailand in the future.
-Toyota Yaris Ativ (ICE), 1.2L Sport CVT, 94 hp, price $14,700
-Hozon Neta V, 38.54 kWh LFP battery from CATL, 95 hp, price $14,900
The 55-kW motor in the Neta V’s longer-range entertainment model may provide up to 175 Nm of torque. It boasts a 100 km/h peak speed, a 6.6 kW onboard charger, and DC fast charging from 30% to 80% in under 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in the WLTP cycle, the 38.54 kWh LFP battery by CATL ranges around 300 km. Additionally, a 14.6-inch center screen and a 12-inch instrument screen stand out in the Hozon Neta V’s minimalist interior.
Impressively, hitting any buttons would not be necessary because the touchscreen in the center will provide drivers with complete control. Along with built-in apps like Tiktok, the Neta V also includes the AI digital companion “Xiao You.”
Definitely, Hozon offers an amazing lifestyle at a price point that is competitive with comparable ICE vehicles in nations like Thailand. Hozon intends to export the Neta V to other nations worldwide after the deployment in the ASEAN nations.
In China, the Neta V retails for about $10,000. The Neta V would find a ready market in this region of the world even if it were to cost twice as much in China after shipping, import fees, taxes, and dealer margins.
An EV costing $20,000 or less would completely shift the dynamic worldwide. For instance, a poll by Autotrader in South Africa revealed that most respondents said they would think about switching to an electric car if priced at R500,000 or less (about $29,000). That said, an R346,000 ($20,000) Hozon Neta V would likely be in high demand in South Africa.
