Could this funky electric SUV be coming to NZ?

Jeep and Tank could have some electric competition in the market for those wanting to look like they can go off road – and it is coming from China.

EVs and Beyond is in China with Omoda Jaecoo, and directed to check out the Jaecoo J6, a small-to-medium electric SUV from sub-brand iCar that has been rebadged to Jaecoo.

The conversion is early enough in the process that the iCar brand is still found on the steering wheel and infotainment system.

With boxy styling, the J6 sure is striking, and a range of accessories are available to match the off-road look – including integrated roof tents, storage boxes, an outdoor kitchen and induction stove powered off the included V2L system and even a solar roof.

The battery is a 69kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) unit from CATL. Drive in the base model is from the rear with 137kW of power available, while an all-wheel drive option outputs 208kW through two motors.

Range is 500km under the optimistic China light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC) system.

A quick carpark drive shows the vehicle is zippy, rides well, and with light steering is likely very capable in the city.

Omoda Jaecoo New Zealand country manager Sheldon Humphries says the vehicle is under consideration for New Zealand. Local management have told us the key is getting the car engineered for an ANCAP five-star rating, likely more a software and ADAS issue than structural.