Leapmotor T03 and NETA V get faster versions

Today I bring good news my fellow readers! The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has just approved faster versions of the Leapmotor T03 and the NETA V to be produced and sold in China.

Previously, as it happens with most small electric cars in China, the Leapmotor T03 and the NETA V had their top speeds limited to 100 km/h (capped via firmware). Fortunately, recent MIIT homologation documents show us that these two popular electric cars will have new versions with their top speeds increased.

New top speeds

• Leapmotor T03: 120 km/h with 55 kW motor
• NETA V: 121 km/h with 70 kW motor

However, we still don’t know if these new upcoming versions with higher top speeds will also have longer ranges or not. Nonetheless, higher top speeds will further increase the demand for these already popular electric cars.

Below we have the current specs of both electric cars.

NETA V

2021 NETA V

This super efficient electric car looks like a mixture between the new Hyundai Kona Electric and the Nissan LEAF.

Long range entertainment version (best value for money version)

• Length: 4.070 mm
• Wheelbase: 2.420 mm
• Width: 1.690 mm
• Height: 1.540 mm
• Tire specifications: 185/65 R15
• Wheels: aluminium
• Number of seats: 5
• Motor: 55 kW and 175 N.m of torque
• Maximum speed: 100 km/h (firmware limited)
• DC fast charging: 30 minutes (30-80 %)
• On-board charging: 6-8 h (6,6 kW)
• Range: 401 km (NEDC) and around 300 km in WLTP
• Battery capacity: 38,54 kWh (LFP battery cells by CATL)
• Starting price (before subsidies): 80.900 yuan (10.426 euros)
• Starting price (after subsidies): 70.900 yuan (9.137 euros)

Leapmotor T03

Leapmotor T03

This impressive electric car looks like an improved version of a smart EQ forfour.

Prices after subsidies

• Standard Edition (LFP battery): 59.800 yuan (7.678 euros)
• Comfort Edition (NCM battery): 71.800 yuan (9.219 euros)
• Deluxe Edition (NCM battery): 75.800 yuan (9.732 euros)

Basic specs

• Seats: 4
• Length: 3.620 mm
• Wheelbase: 2.400 mm
• Width: 1.652 mm
• Height: 1.577 mm
• Luggage capacity: 210 L
• Vehicle warranty: 3 years or 120.000 kilometres

Powertrain

• Electric motor: 55 kW with a maximum torque of 155 N.m
• Maximum speed: 100 km/h (limited via firmware)
• Range (NEDC): 403 km (250 miles)
• Battery capacity: 41 kWh (LFP) and 38 kWh (NCM)
• Battery energy density: 135,6 Wh/kg (LFP) and 161 Wh/kg (NCM)
• Battery warranty: 8 years or 150.000 kilometres
• TMS: Intelligent liquid heat management system (heating + cooling)
• DC fast charging: 30-80 % in 36 minutes
• On-board charging: 30-80 % in 6 hour
• System efficiency: up to 92,3 %

Anyway, I already wrote articles praising both electric cars and think they could have success in most countries. In my opinion, the Leapmotor T03 and the NETA V are likely the electric cars that offer the best value for money today. While affordable, they still deliver decent range (around 300 km in WLTP) and great safety features that are rare in smaller electric cars. They both make the Dacia Spring look bad…

The recent top speed increase might suggest that these electric cars are getting ready to finally leave the comfort of their domestic market and head to more demanding markets, such as Europe, New Zealand or Australia. What do you think?