Electric vehicles (EVs) only account for a small percentage of new car sales in Thailand but the government is encouraging more EV companies to invest in the Kingdom as it aims to be a regional EV hub by 2035. Joining the likes of GWM’s Ora, MG, and BYD is Hozon Auto.

Like the other brands, Hozon comes from China and its models bear the Neta badge, which was officially introduced in Thailand this week. Unlike BYD’s Thai distributor, Rêver Automotive, an actual Neta model was also shown during the official unveiling.

But before we get down with Neta, the company had announced at its press conference that it plans to set up a plant in Thailand that will be exporting to at least 5 markets around ASEAN. Only 4 of those markets were mentioned – Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia.

Yes, we might be seeing another Chinese carmaker entering Malaysia but it won't be so soon. As we are writing this piece, there is no news on any appointment of a local distributor.

Also read: Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Omoda 5 reaching Malaysia over the coming months, preview soon

Hozon Auto is a fairly new carmaker that specialises in new energy vehicles having been founded in 2014. For now, the Neta V is only offered in Thailand and it is one of the most affordable EVs in the country with an introductory price of THB 549,000 (~RM 68k).

Also read: Chery EQ1: Malaysians asked for a Myvi-priced EV, this is it

That’s the same price as a base Toyota Yaris but the website also mentioned that this is the expected selling price after receiving rebates and incentives. Without the Thai government-approved rebates, the Neta V is listed at THB 760,000 (~RM 95k)

Also read: Toyota Yaris dominates again in Thailand, 29% higher sales than City Hatchback in Jul 2022

That still undercuts the Ora Good Cat which starts from THB 989,000 (~RM 123k). Whether the Neta V will take the title of Thailand’s most popular EV remains too early to tell.

Also read: Ora Good Cat dominates Thai EV sales in first half of 2022 - Can it be repeated in Malaysia?

The electric crossover is powered by a permanent electric motor on the front that makes 95 PS/150 Nm which is juiced up by a 38.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. On a single full charge, the Neta V has a claimed range of 384 km (according to NEDC standards).

Charging the Neta V takes 8 hours through conventional AC charging while DC fast charging takes about 30 minutes. Neta has yet to release the specific charging output for either conventional or fast charging.

Just like the MG ZS EV, the Neta V also has a V2L function which can supply up to 3,300 watts of power to other electrical appliances in case of emergencies.

Also read: Arriving in Malaysia, 2022 MG ZS EV facelift unveiled in Thailand and doubles as a powerbank

The lone Neta V variant comes with LED DRLs, automatic projector headlights, and sits on 16-inch wheels wrapped in 185/55 R16 tyres.

Inside, the Neta V has a minimalist interior with a slim 12-inch digital gauge cluster, multifunction steering wheel, leather seats, and a 14.6-inch vertical touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety-wise, the Thai-spec Neta V has an electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto hold, 2 airbags, and a reversing camera which are basic for a modern car.

Also read: Far from 'kosong', the Volt City EV is Thailand's cheapest car with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Interestingly, Hozon’s Thai distributor, Arun Plus is the EV subsidiary of PTT which is Thailand’s national oil company. It’s the equivalent of Petronas jumping into the EV sales business but with no announcement of a local distributor for Malaysia, does this thought not sound farfetched?

Also read: Will TNB be the next Petronas? First EV charging hub in Malaysia expected by 2023