A Budget Electric SUV Is Quickly Gaining Attention
Affordable EVs are still rare in Australia. However, one new model is changing that.
The Jaecoo J5 EV, built by Chinese automaker Chery under its Omoda Jaecoo brand, has now passed 2,000 customer orders just months after launch. Demand has been strong enough that the company extended its aggressive $36,990 driveaway launch price.
Initially, the deal applied to the first 1,000 buyers. Then the company expanded it to 2,000 vehicles. Now the offer will continue until the end of April, giving more drivers access to one of the market’s most affordable electric SUVs.
Chery says rising fuel prices are pushing more Australians to consider electric vehicles.
Strong Early Demand for the J5 EV
According to Omoda Jaecoo executives, the response has exceeded expectations.
The company reached 1,000 orders within weeks of launch. Shortly after, that number doubled.
Executives say drivers are attracted by the J5’s mix of technology, value, and practicality.
Many buyers appear to be first-time EV owners looking for a capable family SUV at a lower price point.
Performance and Range
The Jaecoo J5 EV delivers solid performance for its class.
A front-mounted electric motor produces 155 kW of power and 288 Nm of torque. As a result, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.7 seconds.
The vehicle uses a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. According to official figures, it can travel up to 402 km on the WLTP cycle.
The SUV also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power external devices from the battery.
Technology-Focused Interior
Inside, the J5 features a modern and minimalist cabin.
A large 13.2-inch vertical touchscreen controls key functions including climate settings and infotainment. Meanwhile, an 8.88-inch digital driver display sits behind the steering wheel.
Drivers also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 50-watt wireless phone charger.
The SUV includes heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic glass roof.
Interestingly, Jaecoo uses a silicone-based synthetic leather designed to be antibacterial and easier to clean—making it pet-friendly.
Safety and Ownership Benefits
The J5 EV also arrives with a strong list of safety systems.
Standard features include seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and emergency lane keeping.
Chery backs the vehicle with a generous eight-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with eight years of capped-price servicing and battery coverage.
A Sign of the Growing Affordable EV Market
The J5 EV highlights a growing trend.
Chinese automakers are pushing aggressively into global markets with feature-packed EVs at lower prices. In many cases, similarly equipped gasoline SUVs cost well over $40,000 before on-road costs.
By undercutting those prices, models like the J5 could make electric SUVs accessible to a much larger group of buyers.
And based on early orders, Australian drivers are paying attention.
