Previously, models using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip in the smart cockpit cost twice as much as the model from Neta.
While flagship electric vehicle (EV) models use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip as a selling point, Neta Automobile, an EV brand owned by Hozon Auto, has unexpectedly made its budget models use the flagship chip as well.
Neta today made the Neta U-II electric SUV officially available in China as the successor to the previously offered Neta U.
Neta is offering four models for the Neta U-Ⅱ, priced as follows:
The U-Ⅱ 400 Lite starts at RMB 129,800 ($18,220).
The U-Ⅱ 400 starts at RMB 136,800
U-Ⅱ 500 starts at RMB 147,800
The U-Ⅱ 600 starts at RMB 159,800.
With the exception of the lowest priced U-Ⅱ 400 Lite, the smart cockpit in all versions is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, a high-end chip previously used only in models priced over RMB 300,000.
Given that the Snapdragon 8155 chip enables a smoother experience, especially with the touchscreen in the cockpit, it is considered a must for high-end models, and it is surprising that Neta is using it in an inexpensive model.
On May 1, Voyah, a subsidiary of Dongefeng Motor, began allowing Voyah FREE owners to pay to upgrade to the Qualcomm 8155 chip at a price of RMB 12,999.
On June 15, Nio announced its new SUV ES7 with an Alder smart system based on Qualcomm's 8155 chip, allowing existing ES8, ES6 and EC6 owners to pay for the upgrade at a price of RMB 9,600.
Geely's premium EV subsidiary Zeekr announced a free program for Zeekr 001 owners to upgrade their cockpit chip to Qualcomm 8155 on July 11.
Ford announced on the opening day of the Chengdu auto show on August 26 that it will upgrade the cabin chip to the Snapdragon 8155 for Mustang Mach-E consumers for free.
The prices of these models with Qualcomm 8155 chips are all above RMB 300,000.
Neta said the Neta U-II, powered by the Qualcomm 8155 chip, is the ceiling for smart cockpits on models priced in the RMB 150,000 range.
Neta also allows consumers of the three higher-priced models to buy its assisted driving package, which starts at RMB 8,800.
The assisted driving system is built on the Journey 3 chip from local chipmaker Horizon Robotics, and Neta said it offers L2.5 driving assistance with 22 sensing hardware.
In terms of vehicle specifications, the Neta U-II, like the Neta U, is a compact SUV with a length, width and height of 4,549 mm, 1,860 mm and 1,628 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,770 mm.
The Neta U-II has three options in terms of CLTC range: 401 km, 501 km and 610 km.
The model is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 120 kW and a maximum torque of 210 Nm for the three lower-priced versions and an acceleration time of less than 9.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h.
The highest-priced version has an electric motor with a maximum power of 170 kW and a maximum torque of 310 Nm, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of less than 7 seconds.
Neta did not announce when deliveries of the model will begin. It delivered 18,005 vehicles in September.
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