Chinese automaker Chery is making rapid strides toward entering the Indian market, with multiple patent filings already submitted in India. The latest development comes with the Jaecoo J5 electric SUV being spied testing on Indian roads for the second time, clearly revealing an EV-specific detail that confirms it is the battery-electric version.
This activity is closely linked to Chery’s strategic technology partnership with the JSW Group. The upcoming joint venture is expected to focus exclusively on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) — including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric models — with local assembly planned at JSW’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra.
The heavily camouflaged test mule of the Jaecoo J5 was recently spotted near Pune, likely undergoing ARAI certification tests. While the overall profile and tail-light design match the global Jaecoo J5, a key visual clue confirms it is the electric variant:
- The ICE (petrol) version features a conventional fuel filler lid on the left rear quarter panel.
- The EV version has a charging port located on the right front quarter panel.
Spy images clearly show a cutout near the front wheel arch cladding through the camouflage wrap — the exact location of the charging port on the electric model. This is the second sighting of the J5 in India, underscoring serious development momentum.
The Jaecoo J5 is a stylish mid-size SUV with a modern, premium design often compared to European crossovers. In its electric form (already launched in markets like Indonesia), key specifications include:
- 60.9 kWh battery pack
- Front-mounted electric motor producing 210–211 hp and 288 Nm of torque
- 0–100 km/h acceleration in approximately 7.7 seconds
- Claimed range of up to 461 km (NEDC cycle; real-world ARAI figures will be lower)
- Support for DC fast charging (up to 130 kW) and AC charging up to 11 kW
In India, the model is expected to rival compact and mid-size electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta Electric, with pricing potentially positioned under ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom) to make it competitive.
Industry sources indicate that the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the Jaecoo J5 is unlikely to be introduced in India. The JSW-Chery joint venture is prioritising New Energy Vehicles, aligning with government incentives for electrification and local manufacturing of clean-mobility solutions.Alongside the Jaecoo J5 EV, JSW Motors is also preparing:
- Jetour T2 (PHEV version) – already patented and spotted multiple times, expected as one of the first launches
- Chery iCar V23 – a more boxy electric SUV
- Possibly other models from the Chery family
This gives JSW a strong multi-product NEV lineup for its standalone brand launch, targeted around 2026–2027.
Chery has been actively filing design and technology patents in India, covering multiple models and components. This intellectual property protection, combined with the JSW partnership, signals a long-term commitment rather than a short-term export play.The collaboration allows JSW to leverage Chery’s advanced EV platforms, battery technology, and manufacturing expertise while benefiting from local production advantages and “Made in India” credentials.
If launched as planned, the Jaecoo J5 EV (likely under a JSW or rebadged name) could bring premium design, strong performance, and decent range at a competitive price point. The focus on NEVs positions it well in a market where buyers are increasingly shifting toward electrified options amid rising fuel costs and improving charging infrastructure
.With the Jetour T2 PHEV also progressing rapidly, Chery and JSW appear set to offer a balanced portfolio of plug-in hybrid and pure electric SUVs, catering to different segments and usage patterns.
The second spying of the Jaecoo J5 EV is another clear indicator that Chery-backed New Energy Vehicles are moving closer to Indian roads. Expect more details, official teasers, and possible launches in the coming months as testing and homologation advance. The Indian EV and hybrid space is about to get significantly more competitive.
