Is The Onvo L60 Actually A Tesla Model Y Competitor? – CleanTechnica

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The Onvo L60 all-electric sedan is apparently a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y. It has some obvious advantages: it costs less in China and has battery swapping. It also has some FSD-like features. Onvo is a sub-brand of NIO, which is known for premium/luxury.

The L60 has many features/options that make it appealing:

• Rear or AWD
• Buy with a battery or lease the battery
• Ample storage space
• Folding rear seats
• AC and DC charging
• Up to 200 kW charging rate
• 65 kWh battery pack or 85 kWh, LFP
• Range is at least 500 km, China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), or 700 km for the larger battery. This China-based testing cycle might be very different than the US EPA and the WLTP cycles.
• Front passenger seat reclines to make a bed for one.
• Rear screen with various options
• Rear seats are soft and spacious.
• The front seats have heating, cooling, and massage.

This model does not have one-pedal driving yet, though there is regenerative braking. On a quick drive, Kyle says it has acceleration similar to the Model Y. The turn signals are not too loud or annoying. The suspension is firm-ish and passive. 0-60 is less than 5 seconds.

The Onvo does not have a frunk. Another difference is  the Onvo’s battery swapping ability. One reviewer said he completed a battery swap in just several minutes. That was in China, and not all countries have battery swapping stations readily available, so maybe this Onvo EV will mainly appeal to Chinese customers.

If swapping is available in the UK or Europe, it may hold an appeal with those who like the lower price. There are also prospective customers who do not like Elon Musk because of his politics or social media activities.

The Onvo is a new vehicle, meaning it has not racked up a huge amount of real-world driving miles yet. There might be bugs that will need to be worked out, or maybe it is just fine the way it is.

The Model Y has already been proven because it has hundreds of thousands of customers and it has held up well. It also has very high safety ratings that were made outside of China, meaning Chinese safety ratings for vehicles may not be as trustworthy as ones conducted in the US or Europe.

The video’s user comments favor the L60.

@CNHabs
As a MY owner,  the L60’s much smaller A pillars and yet large mirrors are so much more practical. The Tesla only beats the Onvo for having a frunk but the latter is clearly superior in everything else.

@snick111
I’ll take the L60 over a Model Y.  I also heard the L60 is slightly more efficient than the Y which is impressive.  Fantastic review.

@jiminauburn5073
Sat in one of those in a mall when I was in China over the new year.   It was a nice looking car.  I would have taken it on looks and feel over my Model Y.  Would have to see how it performs and lasts though.

At this point, the Model Y is proven for reliability, durability, and safety, although the L60 might catch up.