OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has opened pre-orders for the J5 BEV, the first fully electric JAECOO model to be offered in the country. The new model is scheduled to arrive at dealerships by the end of August 2026.
Set to join the J5 lineup introduced in September 2025, the new BEV derivative will provide South African motorists with a fully electric alternative that combines responsive performance, generous standard equipment and everyday practicality. Its introduction will expand the local J5 line-up to three distinct powertrains, allowing customers to choose between petrol, hybrid and fully electric mobility according to their individual requirements.
The J5 BEV will be powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 155 kW and 288 N.m of torque. Power will be sent to the front wheels, while Eco and Sport driving modes will allow the driver to tailor the vehicle’s responses to the journey.
Energy will be supplied by a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, which will provide a claimed driving range of 402 km on the WLTP cycle. This will make the J5 BEV well-suited to daily commuting, school runs and general urban use.
The J5 BEV will support 11 kW AC charging, while DC fast-charging speeds will range from 80 kW to 130 kW. When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the battery will be able to recharge from 30% to 80% in approximately 28 minutes.
Vehicle-to-load capability will also allow the J5 BEV’s battery to supply electricity to compatible external appliances and equipment, adding further versatility for outdoor activities, travel and everyday use.
The suspension system will combine MacPherson struts at the front with a multilink configuration at the rear, contributing to a composed ride and responsive handling. Braking will be handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, with ventilated discs fitted at the front.
While remaining clearly recognisable as a member of the J5 family, the BEV will feature several model-specific design details that distinguish it from its petrol and hybrid siblings.
JAECOO’s signature waterfall grille will make way for a more streamlined front fascia, complemented by a lightbar spanning the width of the vehicle. Lower down, a full-width black trim section will incorporate a broad intake area with geometric detailing.
These refinements will give the J5 BEV a distinctive identity while retaining the clean proportions and refined appearance of the wider J5 range. Standard exterior equipment will include 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, automatic LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. Acoustic glass will contribute to a quieter cabin, while heated, power-adjustable and power-folding exterior mirrors will add convenience.
The J5 BEV will also be equipped with roof rails, a power-operated tailgate, an underbody shield, automatic high- and low-beam control, and follow-me-home lighting.
Inside, the J5 BEV will be offered with black or white interior options, with six-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat and four-way electric adjustment for the front passenger seat. Both front seats will be ventilated, providing additional comfort during warmer conditions, while multi-colour ambient lighting will enhance the interior atmosphere.
Further standard equipment will include a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents and a power-operated sunshade. USB and Type-C ports will be provided in the front row, together with a 12-volt outlet in the luggage compartment.
An eight-inch digital driver display will present important vehicle and driving information, while a 540-degree panoramic camera and rear parking sensors will make the J5 BEV easier to maneuver in confined spaces.
Designed with family use in mind, the J5 BEV will offer a 480-litre luggage compartment with all five seats in use. Folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks will increase carrying capacity to 1,284 litres, providing additional flexibility for weekend trips, daily errands or larger items.
A 13.2-inch central touchscreen will manage a range of convenience and entertainment functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be fitted as standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity, voice-command functionality and Carlinko app control. Front occupants will also benefit from a 50-watt wireless smartphone charger, while an eight-speaker audio system will be included.
Safety will remain a key focus, with the J5 BEV equipped with six airbags, comprising dual front, front side and side curtain airbags. Further active and passive safety features will include ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, traction control, Roll Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages.
The J5 BEV will also be equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including:
“With the J5 BEV, we are giving South African motorists another accessible route into new-energy mobility,” commented Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa and iCAUR South Africa.
“The introduction of the J5 BEV will mark an important milestone for JAECOO as the brand’s first fully electric model to be offered locally. It will bring together strong performance, comfort, safety and everyday practicality in a package designed to make fully electric mobility easier to embrace.”
The JAECOO J5 BEV will be priced from R549,900. Pre-orders are now open ahead of the vehicle’s official launch and arrival at dealerships by the end of August 2026.
Customers who place a pre-order before the official launch will receive an incentive package valued at more than R50,000, designed to make the transition to electric mobility more accessible and convenient. The package will include a R12,000 reduction on the vehicle’s purchase price, R5,000 in public charging credit and an EV Starter Kit valued at R30,000.
The EV Starter Kit will comprise a 7 kW home wallbox charger, a portable Type-M charger and a Vehicle-to-Load accessory that will enable the vehicle’s battery to power compatible external devices and appliances.
In addition, qualifying pre-order customers will benefit from the JAECOO Cares ownership programme, which will provide access to a courtesy vehicle following a mechanical or electrical failure, three days of car hire during an annual service, selected complimentary ride-hailing trips, a designated-driver service and cosmetic vehicle protection.
The surface-care component will cover services such as minor scratch and dent repairs, tar and stone-chip removal, windscreen-chip repair, headlight renewal, odor removal, quarterly valet washes and annual air-conditioning and upholstery treatments, subject to the applicable usage and claim limits.
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