OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has opened pre-orders for the J5 BEV, the first fully electric JAECOO model to be offered in the country, with the new vehicle scheduled to arrive at dealerships by the end of August 2026.This fully electric derivative will join the J5 lineup that was introduced in September 2025 and 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.

Under the skin, the J5 BEV is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 155 kW and 288 Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels. Drivers will be able to tailor the vehicle’s responses to the journey through Eco and Sport driving modes.

Energy is supplied by a 58,9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, which provides a claimed driving range of 402 km on the WLTP cycle, making the J5 BEV well-suited to daily commuting, school runs and general urban use. The J5 BEV supports 11 kW AC charging, while DC fast-charging speeds range from 80 kW to 130 kW.

Jaecoo J5 BEV launching locally in August 2026

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When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the battery can be recharged from 30% to 80% in approximately 28 minutes. Vehicle-to-load capability also allows 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 combines MacPherson struts at the front with a multilink configuration at the rear, while braking is 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 features several model-specific design details that distinguish it from its petrol and hybrid siblings. JAECOO’s signature waterfall grille makes way for a more streamlined front fascia, complemented by a lightbar spanning the width of the vehicle, and lower down, a full-width black trim section incorporates a broad intake area with geometric detailing.

Standard exterior equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, automatic LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. Acoustic glass contributes to a quieter cabin, while heated, power-adjustable and power-folding exterior mirrors add convenience. The J5 BEV is also equipped with roof rails, a power-operated tailgate, an underbody shield, automatic high- and low-beam control, and follow-me-home lighting.

Jaecoo J5 BEV has some unique design elements

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Inside, the J5 BEV is 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 are ventilated, providing additional comfort during warmer conditions, while multi-colour ambient lighting enhances the interior atmosphere.

Further standard equipment includes a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents and a power-operated sunshade. USB and Type-C ports are provided in the front row, together with a 12-volt outlet in the luggage compartment.

An eight-inch digital driver display presents important vehicle and driving information, while a 540-degree panoramic camera and rear parking sensors make the J5 BEV easier to manoeuvre in confined spaces.

Designed with family use in mind, the J5 BEV offers a 480-litre luggage compartment with all five seats in use, and folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks increases carrying capacity to 1 284 litres, providing additional flexibility for weekend trips, daily errands or larger items.

A 13,2-inch central touchscreen manages a range of convenience and entertainment functions, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fitted as standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity, voice-command functionality and Carlinko app control. Front occupants also benefit from a 50-watt wireless smartphone charger, while an eight-speaker audio system is included.

Usuable 'frunk' on the Jaecoo J5 BEV

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Safety remains a key focus, with the J5 BEV equipped with six crash bags, comprising dual front, front side and side curtain bags. Further active and passive safety features include anti-lock braking, 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 is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, Forward Vehicle Departure Reminder, Integrated Cruise Assist, Multi-Collision Brake, Intelligent Evasion System, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Warning and Door Opening Warning.

Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa and iCAUR South Africa, commented that with the J5 BEV, the company is giving South African motorists another accessible route into new-energy mobility.

She added the introduction of the J5 BEV would mark an important milestone for JAECOO as the brand’s first fully electric model to be offered locally, bringing together strong performance, comfort, safety and everyday practicality in a package designed to make fully electric mobility easier to embrace.

The JAECOO J5 BEV is priced from R549 900, with pre-orders 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 includes 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.

Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with

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