Neta will carry Hesai's ultra-high-definition, long-range AT128 LiDAR on its new models, which are expected to begin mass production in the first half of 2025.

(Image credit: Hesai)

Chinese LiDAR maker Hesai Group (NASDAQ: HSAI) has partnered with electric vehicle (EV) startup Neta Auto, which will use its LiDAR products.

Neta will feature Hesai's ultra-high-definition, long-range AT128 LiDAR in its new models, which are expected to begin mass production in the first half of 2025, according to a press release from Hesai today.

The AT128 LiDAR will play a key role in the perception module of the Neta Pilot smart driving system, facilitating an upgraded smart mobility experience in Neta's new models, said Neta co-founder and CEO Zhang Yong.

Neta's current models on sale include the budget EV Neta Aya and Neta U, as well as its flagship sedan, the Neta S, and sports car, the Neta GT.

The company has been seen as a budget EV maker since its inception, as it has mainly targeted the low-end market over the past few years. As a result, its models don't come standard with expensive LiDARs like Nio's (NYSE: NIO) models.

Only the flagship Neta S sedan has a LiDAR-equipped version, and its supplier is Chinese tech giant Huawei.

Founded in Shanghai in late 2014, Hesai initially focused on developing high-performance laser sensors and has been exploring driverless LiDAR products since 2016.

The company went public on Nasdaq on February 9, becoming the first Chinese LiDAR maker to list in the US.

As of the second quarter, Hesai's cumulative LiDAR deliveries exceeded 190,000 units, and the AT128 has cumulatively delivered more than 130,000 units since mass production began in 2022, the company said today.

Hesai's best-known partner at the moment is Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI), and local media have previously reported that Xiaomi's first EV model, which will be launched next year, will also use Hesai's LiDAR products.

Li Auto is also currently using Hesai's AT128 LiDAR, a sensing device that is placed on the roof of the vehicle.

On April 14, Hesai unveiled a new LiDAR product called the ET25, which it said is an in-cockpit LiDAR designed to be placed behind the front windshield.

The product is an ultra-thin, long-range LiDAR, with "ET" in the name standing for Extremely Thin and "25" referring to its height of only 25 mm.

The LiDAR is mounted behind the windshield, which allows for a smoother body design without compromising wind resistance, Hesai said at the time.

Hesai unveils ultra-thin LiDAR ET25 that can be placed behind windshield