Chinese EV Experiences 90% Range Loss in Only 18 Months

A vehicle owner reported that the Neta Aya’s battery performance dropped by 90% in just 18 months.

Electric Vehicles: Popularity Meets Challenges

Electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly gained popularity, reshaping the automotive industry and offering cleaner transportation alternatives. However, recent reports about the Chinese EV Neta Aya have raised serious concerns among EV owners and enthusiasts. One owner claimed that the Neta Aya’s battery performance declined by 90% within just 18 months.

A Personal Experience with the Neta Aya

Ms. He, an early EV adopter from Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, faced severe issues with her Neta Aya. After purchasing the car in May 2023 for 76,000 yuan (approximately $10,400 USD), she noticed a dramatic decline in battery performance—dropping by 90% in only 18 months.

The manufacturer initially claimed the vehicle had a range of 401 kilometers, far exceeding Ms. He’s daily 42-kilometer commute. However, the effective driving range first dropped to 60 kilometers and later became unusable at just 40 kilometers, likely due to temperature fluctuations.

Dealing with the Dealership

When Ms. He brought her car to the Anji Neta 4S dealership, tests confirmed the need for a battery replacement. However, the dealership was unable to provide a new battery due to parts shortages. To make matters worse, the dealership where she purchased the vehicle later went out of business.

Desperate for a resolution, Ms. He contacted Neta’s national customer support. While company representatives acknowledged the issue, they couldn’t provide a clear timeline for a solution. They suggested that a replacement battery might arrive after Chinese New Year on January 29. In the meantime, Ms. He was offered a temporary replacement vehicle with unspecified specifications.

The Promise of the Neta Aya

The Neta Aya, produced by Hozon Auto, was marketed as a cost-effective and efficient option for urban drivers. Equipped with a small battery pack, the vehicle promised a range of 400 kilometers per charge. Its stylish design and affordability made it a popular choice in China, the world’s largest EV market.

However, reports of severe range issues have damaged the public’s perception of both the Neta Aya and its manufacturer.

Understanding the Problem

The main issue lies in the significant and premature battery degradation. While some battery wear is expected over time, the Neta Aya’s loss of capacity occurred far too quickly. Typically, new EV batteries retain 70–80% of their capacity after several years of use.

Possible Causes of Rapid Battery Decline

  1. Inferior Battery Quality: Cost-cutting measures may have led to the use of low-quality battery cells that degrade faster than premium options.
  2. Inadequate Battery Management System (BMS): A poorly designed BMS may fail to regulate charging and discharging effectively, accelerating battery wear.
  3. Overheating: Extreme temperature changes can damage battery cells, especially if the vehicle lacks proper thermal management systems.
  4. Frequent Fast Charging: Repeated use of fast chargers without proper battery management can strain and degrade the battery.

Lessons for EV Buyers and Manufacturers

The challenges faced by Neta Aya owners underscore the importance of durable battery quality in EVs. Prospective buyers should carefully review technical specifications, warranty terms, and manufacturer reliability before making a purchase.

For manufacturers, restoring customer trust will require improved product testing and stricter quality control. As battery technology evolves, companies must prioritize long-term reliability over cost savings to ensure a better experience for EV users.

Conclusion

The Neta Aya’s battery issues highlight the growing pains of the EV industry. While EVs promise a cleaner, more efficient future, manufacturers must address quality and reliability concerns to meet customer expectations and maintain trust in this rapidly expanding market.

Author:

  • Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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