The Chery Omoda E5 has been formally launched in Malaysia. With a few cosmetic differences, it is essentially an all-electric version of the Omoda 5 SUV which is already on sale in the Malaysian market. The first batch of E5, priced at RM146,800, is imported from China as CBU, but local manufacturing will begin in Q2 2024, making the Omoda E5 Malaysia’s first Chinese CKD EV.
Design-wise the only noticeable difference between the ICE-powered Omoda 5 and the E5 electric is the closed fascia in place of the conventional grille. The Omoda E5 has an active grille shutter that opens and closes depending on the motor temperature and aerodynamic requirements.
Available in a single variant, the Omoda E5 in Malaysia is powered by a front-mounted electric motor punching out 150 kW (240hp) of power and 340 Nm of torque. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 7.6 seconds while the top speed is 172 km/h. The battery, a 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit from BYD, has a WLTP cycle range of 430 kilometers.
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For charging, there is a 9.9kW AC charger as well as an 80kW DC fast charger which can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% state of charge in 28 minutes. Plus, a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function allows the car to deliver up to 3.3 kW to power electrical appliances and devices.
The Omoda E5 also includes one-pedal driving support, a creep function, and something called a pocket brake, which triggers emergency braking when the ‘Park’ button is pressed while driving. Chery claims that their EV has successfully passed a ‘water wading test’ and a ‘bottom scrapping test.
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Features include LED projector headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered sunroof, a powered tailgate, puddle lamps, selectable drive modes, monotone or dual-tone leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control (with PM 2.5 filter and rear vents), dynamic ambient lighting, an 8-speaker Sony system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Chery markets it as a ‘24.6-inch curved 2K HD dual-screen’ with a system powered by a Qualcomm 8155 system on chip (SoC) and includes support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wireless). There is also a 50W wireless charger with a cooling function.
As for driver assistance systems, Chery offers what it calls ADAS 2.5 which consists of a 360-degree camera, automatic high beam, lead vehicle departure alert, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and prevention, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The standard vehicle warranty is 7 years or 150,000 km, and customers will get a separate 8-year or 160,000 km battery and drive unit warranty. The latter includes the power motor control unit, power battery management system, and vehicle control unit. The most interesting thing is, that if the EV battery’s state of health falls below 70% while the car is under warranty, Chery will offer a ‘1-to-1’ replacement with no questions asked.
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Chery in Pakistan was conducting a feasibility study to launch Omoda and Jaecoo sub-brands in Pakistan. A survey was also carried out last year in which the company used some questionnaires to gauge consumer interest. However, production at Chery’s Ghandhara facility has been suspended for almost a year, casting serious doubt on the future of Chery Tiggo SUVs, and the company’s plans for the Omoda & Jaecoo range of vehicles in Pakistan.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com