If you haven’t heard of the Onvo EV brand before, it’s likely because the EV industry in China is experiencing a significant growth cycle, with new EV brands emerging rapidly, akin to new seedlings sprouting in a forest. Onvo is a sub-brand created by NIO just two months ago. Unsurprisingly, Onvo has only produced one car to date: the L60, which the company positions as a rival to the Tesla Model Y.

The Onvo L60 is slightly larger and wider than a Tesla Model Y and incorporates battery swapping technology. If you’re running low on charge, you can simply drive up to a battery swapping station and replace the battery with a fully charged unit. The whole process takes just a few minutes.

The L60 will also support superfast charging, but one of the key selling points pursued by Onvo is its claim that the L60 is more efficient than the Model Y. This is a significant claim considering Tesla’s reputation as the EV efficiency leader.

If Onvo’s claims of surpassing the Model Y’s efficiency can be verified through independent testing, it would signify China’s rapid advancement as a leader in EV technology. Over the same distance, Onvo claims that the L60 consumes 12.1 kWh of electricity per 100 km (62 miles), compared to the Model Y’s 12.5 kWh.

The L60 will be offered in two models: standard and long-range. Onvo claims that the RWD standard model is capable of covering 345 miles on a single charge, while the AWD long-range model can cover 454 miles. It’s important to note that these claims have yet to be independently verified.

Furthermore, the Onvo L60 will offer more equipment and a better interior than the Model Y, with prices starting from $30,000 when it goes on sale in China, which is $4,000 less than the Model Y. Onvo also plans a global sales push into key North American and European territories.