Neta S Kombi is first car on CATL’s 800-volt platform

Neta has officially launched the S Kombi, an all-electric estate made in China. It is offered in both range extender and full-electric versions. In the wake of the launch, the company announced that the 800-volt version would be built around the platform by battery manufacturer CATL.

Despite its practical estate style, Neta has no plans to sell the S Kombi in Europe. With a length of 4,980 mm, a width of 1,980 mm, a height of 1,480 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,980 mm, the S Kombi is an executive car. But with a starting price of 159,900 yuan (19,975 euros), it woos customers in a much lower category.

Shortening development cycles

Neta launches the S Kombi in two range extender versions next to a set of battery-powered drivelines. The all-wheel driven version of the latter can hit 0-100 km/hour in 3.9 seconds, but while these specs are only relevant for the Chinese market, the shooting brake edition of the S has one more trick up its sleeve.

When the second battery version arrives, it will feature 800-volt technology provided by an entirely new platform developed by CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer. This collaboration follows an earlier agreement between both companies.

The CATL Integrated Intelligent Chassis (CIIC) integrates batteries, electric motors, and essential systems into a unified structure, reducing production costs, vehicle weight, and energy consumption while optimizing interior space. This high level of integration is expected to shorten development cycles and lower costs, making it an attractive option for automakers.

Testing the performance of this architecture has unveiled impressive results. According to the less stringent Chinese testing cycle CTLC, the platform achieved a 1,000 km range, with energy consumption at 10.5 kWh per 100 km.

The battery pack could charge 300 km of range in just five minutes. The Neta S Kombi is the first of a series of cars expected to be built around the CIIC platform, which might eventually reach European shores as CATL collaborates with all the big names in the sector.

A CATL car brand? No

According to these preliminary testing results, the integrated battery pack is also strongly capable of maintaining efficiency at cold and warm temperatures, guaranteeing 75%. CATL has no extensive experience in platform building but promises enhanced safety as the structure can absorb 85% of frontal crash energy.

Unlike BYD, which grew from a battery manufacturer into a car builder, CATL has no such ambitions. It wants to remain a preferred component partner for automotive OEMs in their electrification efforts.

Marketing Manager Luo Jian confirmed this stance at the company’s experience center, which will open in Chengdu this month. In this showroom, CATL-powered cars will be displayed, while visitors can indulge in the history of electric cars and gain expert insights.