JAECOO J5 BEV arrives as the brand’s first fully electric model in South Africa

  • The J5 BEV is JAECOO’s first fully electric model in South Africa, combining a 155 kW/288 N.m electric motor with a 58.9 kWh LFP battery and a claimed range of 402 km on the WLTP cycle.

  • It supports 11 kW AC charging and DC fast charging at up to 130 kW, allowing a 30–80% recharge in approximately 28 minutes, while V2L functionality adds extra versatility.

OMODA & JAECOO South Africa is pleased to announce the local arrival of the J5 BEV, the first fully electric JAECOO model to be offered in the country.

Joining the J5 crossover range introduced in September 2025, the new BEV derivative provides South African motorists with a fully electric alternative that combines responsive performance, generous standard equipment and everyday practicality. Its arrival expands the local J5 line-up to three distinct powertrains, ensuring customers can choose between petrol, hybrid and fully electric mobility according to their individual requirements.

Fully electric performance

The J5 BEV is powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 155 kW and 288 N.m of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, while Eco and Sport driving modes allow the driver to tailor the vehicle’s responses to the journey.

Energy is supplied by a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, which provides a maximum driving range of 402 km on the WLTP cycle. This makes 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 a maximum of 130 kW. When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the battery can be replenished 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, contributing to a composed ride and responsive handling. Braking is handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, with ventilated discs fitted at the front.

Distinctive electric design

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 tasteful lightbar spanning the width of the vehicle. Lower down, a full-width black trim section incorporates a broad intake area with geometric detailing.

These refinements give the J5 BEV a distinctive identity while retaining the clean proportions and refined appearance of the wider J5 range. 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.

Comfortable and practical interior

Inside, the J5 BEV comes 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 clearly, 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. 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.

Connected technology

A 13.2-inch central touchscreen manages a range of convenience and entertainment functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are 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. An eight-speaker audio system is also included. 

Comprehensive safety equipment

Safety remains 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 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 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
  • Door Opening Warning

“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 arrival of the J5 BEV marks an important milestone for JAECOO as the brand’s first fully electric model offered locally. It brings 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.

Customers who pre-order the JAECOO J5 BEV 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, comprising a 7 kW home wallbox charger, a portable Type-M charger and a Vehicle-to-Load accessory that enables the vehicle’s battery to power compatible external devices and appliances.

 In addition, pre-order customers will benefit from the JAECOO Cares ownership programme, which provides 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 covers services such as minor scratch and dent repairs, tar and stone-chip removal, windscreen-chip repair, headlight renewal, odour removal, quarterly valet washes and annual air-conditioning and upholstery treatments, subject to the applicable usage and claim limits.

Press Queries

Nikki Chennells

JAECOO Press Liaison

Mail:  Nikki.Chennells@haveyoursayza.co.za