The Chery E5, the long-awaited fully electric version of the Omoda 5 range is slated to join the carmaker’s Malaysian lineup in March. It will compete with a growing number of EVs from rival Chinese carmakers including BYD, Havel and Ora.
The Omoda E5 employs a front-mounted electric motor that delivers up to 204 ps and 340 Nm of torque from a Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packing 61 kWh capacity which provides up to 430 kms of range. This allows the Chinese EV to reach a top speed of 172 km/h and sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.
The Omoda E5 enables AC charging at 9.9 kW and DC fast charging of up to 80 kW, permitting charging from 30 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.
Additionally, the vehicle has a vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology that enables it to function as a mobile power bank, providing up to 3.3 kW of electricity to run appliances and other electrical equipment.
The E5 also incorporates other impressive tech like one-pedal operation, pocket brake (activates emergency braking when the ‘Park’ button is pressed), and a creep function.
On the inside, the Chery EV employs a futuristic cabin that features advanced tech including high ground clearance (190mm), a 24.6-inch super large curved touchscreen, intelligent voice assistant, level 2.5 ADAS Qualcomm Chip, driving mode (ECO, Sport, and Normal), power sunroof and tailgate, and automatic LED headlight.
As you’d expect, it also employs the latest driver support features including a 540-degree HD panoramic camera, anti-lock braking system, electric brake distribution, brake assist system with brake override, electronic stability program, traction control system, hill-start assist control and hill descent control.
Currently on sale, the petrol-powered Chery Omoda 5 starts from RM108,800 to RM 118,800, so we can expect the EV ‘E5’ version to land in showrooms wearing a higher sticker price.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The Omoda E5 will be one of the big releases in the EV genre for 2024. Boasting futuristic, stylish looks inside and out, and packing the latest tech and a competitive powertrain, the Chery EV should cause some waves, and take the challenge right up to the likes of BYD and Tesla.