Local deliveries of the Chery Omoda E5, an electric version of the Chinese brand’s entry-level SUV, will begin in mid-2024.
As previously reported, Chery had shown interest in bringing the Omoda E5 to Australia, but the electric SUV has now been locked in for local showrooms.
It is expected to be a competitor against the BYD Atto 3, a Chinese electric SUV which has been popular with Australian buyers, as well as the MG ZS EV.
In 2023, 11,042 BYD Atto 3s were sold, making it the third-best selling electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, behind the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
While the Omoda E5’s face is slightly different from the petrol-powered Omoda 5 – with more angular lines and a lifting grille which hides a charging port – the remainder of its design is largely unchanged.
The Chery Omoda E5 is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor, producing up to 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque – improvements of 35kW and 110Nm compared to the turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine in the Omoda 5 BX and EX, and 13kW/65Nm more than the 1.6-litre turbo in the Omoda 5 GT.
In China, the Chery Omoda E5 is equipped with a 61kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, capable of delivering up to 430km of driving range on the European WLTP test cycle.
Chinese-market versions of the Chery Omoda E5 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds, while its battery takes a claimed 35 minutes to charge from 30 to 80 per cent capacity.
Though not yet confirmed for Australia, the Omoda E5 is “V2L ready”, meaning it’s capable of being used as a mobile power source – however this feature has not yet been made available.
Inside, the Omoda E5 gains equipment not available in the Omoda 5, such as a 12.3-inch curved infotainment screen (up from 10.25 inches) and a panoramic sunroof.
Chery Australia will offer the Omoda E5 in two trim levels – Standard and Premium – but has yet to release pricing or detailed equipment lists.
We’d expect a sub-$50,000 price tag, given the BYD Atto 3 starts from $48,011 before on-road costs, while the ZS EV starts at $44,225 before on-roads.
MORE: Everything Chery Omoda 5
MORE: Q&A with Lucas Harris, managing director of Chery Australia
