Generally, vehicle launches in NZ usually take up most of the day, however, Chinese brand Omoda were so keen for us to look at their new all-electric SUV E5 that they invited us to a quick container unveiling.
Yes, there is a new EV brand in town, Omoda, and although the marque itself only debuted in 2022, it falls under the Chery umbrella, which began in 1997. According to Chery, the O in Omoda relates to ‘oxygen’, while Moda means ‘modern’, but the brand itself targets the ‘fashion-elite’ – which begs the question of why was I there?
Sheldon Humphries (Country Manager, Omoda and Jaecoo New Zealand) explained.
“We’ve tried to give you the rawest viewing of the vehicle as possible. It’s the first opportunity to see the vehicle as it comes from the port in the container.”
The doors opened and the E5 drove out. Sheldon told us that as this was the first ‘prototype’ E5, so there may be some specification differences between this and the final unit, either way, this was their high spec model and came with a long-range 61kWh battery mated to 150kW/340Nm single electric motor (FWD) and boasting a WLTP rating of 430 km. Maximum charge rate is 80kW DC and AC is 9.9kW.
In terms of looks and sizing, the E5 is very much in line with its I.C.E-powered sibling the C5, so a medium-sized SUV with a floating roof and fashionable styling, however, its grille is more aerodynamically EV looking with a unique and snazzy ‘pop up’ charge port.
The interior is equally modern, with large infotainment/instrument cluster screens, dual level centre console and what we believe to be upmarket materials (they were covered with protective plastic). As for how it drives, this remains to be seen, but if it’s as good as the C5 then the answer will be – very well.
According to Sheldon, Omoda are trying to position themselves as a green brand with a strong focus on EVs and PHEVs. However, he says that they realise that maybe not everyone is at that stage yet and hence why they will have ICE engines too.
“But our position is to be more of a greener brand. Hence with every model we bring out there will be a low or zero emitting option.”
Omoda has 13 Dealers confirmed thus far (with two more due shortly), and they have expressions of interest from smaller areas too.
Sheldon says, “I think we’re quite well positioned from a dealer network perspective. They are positioned along the main centres and travelling routes, so customers can feel secure should they ever encounter any problems, that someone’s not too far away.”
As extra peace of mind, Omoda vehicles come with roadside assistance and warranty for seven years, plus the battery comes with an eight-year/60,000 cover. The ICE-powered Omoda C5 has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in Australia (under the Chery name) and while the E5 has not been tested yet, they expect the results possibly later this year.
When it comes to vehicle pricing, Sheldon remains tight lipped, however says that it will be very competitive.
“I can’t release it just yet. We’re just making sure that we’ve just dotted all the I’s and crossed all the T’s before we make that 100% public.”
In terms of volume expectations for the E5, Sheldon says that the NZ landscape ‘is a bit more challenging at the moment’.
“We’re obviously just waiting to see where the market’s going to settle. Unfortunately, EVs and especially PHEV’s, have had a real hard knock over the past couple of months [rebate and RUC], but we’re going to ensure that we retail enough EVs to offset our emission taxes on the C5.”
Sheldon ends by saying that Omoda and Jaecoo as a brand combined, has an aspiration of reaching 10 percent in 2024.
