Neta S Hunting Edition to pioneer CATL's skateboard chassis

Electric vehicle manufacturer Neta Auto is set to break new ground with the upcoming launch of its Neta S Hunting Edition. This model will be the first in the world to use CATL's innovative CIIC skateboard chassis.

The official unveiling of the Neta S Hunting Edition is scheduled for August 25. The spotlight will be on the 800V version, built on CATL's CIIC platform, which boasts a high degree of integration, combining the powertrain, braking, steering, and thermal management systems within the chassis itself. This streamlined approach helps accelerate the development of new cars and can significantly reduce costs while at the same time optimizing interior space.

CATL's CIIC technology is built on the concept of decoupling the vehicle's upper body from its lower chassis, enabling parallel development and flexibility. The chassis itself takes on critical roles in motion control and energy management, even absorbing a significant portion of frontal crash energy.

This design philosophy opens doors for greater personalization and scenario-based car building, according to Neta. It's a modern take on last century's coach-building idea, where one company supplied the complete chassis to many manufacturers, who in turn put a unique body on top, ending up with many cars sharing underpinnings despite looking completely different.

While the concept of a skateboard chassis isn't new, having been introduced by GM in 2002, its implementation in a mass-produced passenger vehicle marks a significant step forward. Neta's partnership with CATL on the CIIC project was initiated in January 2023. The use of CTC (Cell to Chassis) technology further enhances the Neta S's potential by integrating battery cells directly into the chassis.

The Neta S Hunting Edition, based on Neta's flagship sedan, the Neta S, is expected to begin volume deliveries in September. It will be available in both extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) and BEV versions. Pre-sales for the EREV variant started on August 13th, with a starting price of RMB 175,900 ($24,620), followed by the BEV variant on August 15th, starting at RMB 166,900 ($23,400).

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