Watch: Another small Chinese electric SUV on the way

Yet another new Chinese EV option is set to enter the NZ market in the form of the Omoda E5.

The E5 is – as expected – the electric version of the petrol C5 model, and is set to go up against the MGZS EV, BYD Atto 3 and more from next month.

We have yet to drive the E5, only getting a static walk around following a ceremonial ‘unboxing’, but note it is of similar size to an Atto, with an equivalent 61kWh LFP battery, and a WLTP range north of 400km.

A cheaper 50kWh model could come later.

Two models will be offered with the same battery, both front-driven with a 150kW and 340Nm electric motor. DC charging is 80kWh, in line with the segment, while 9.9kW three-phase charging puts it around 30% ahead of the MG and BYD.

It matches those cars largely for specification – think 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, synthetic leather and an included vehicle-to-load adaptor.

Interesting points include a huge boot, with a space saver tyre over the repair kits found in the competition, and while it has a sunroof, it is a smaller unit that somewhat robs headroom.