Chery E5: The EV that’ll make you rethink petrol

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As electric vehicles become more affordable, practical and family-friendly, more Australians are seriously considering the jump to full EV ownership.

That’s exactly where the new Chery E5 steps in; a smart, value-packed electric SUV designed to make the transition to zero-emissions driving simple, affordable and confidence-inspiring for new EV owners.

For growing families, commuters, and anyone looking to lower running costs without giving up comfort or features, the E5 presents one of the most compelling ownership cases in the market.

Why choose the Chery E5?

Low running costs, high everyday savings and plenty of premium features.

One of the biggest advantages of EV ownership is dramatically reduced running costs, and the Chery E5 is no exception. Charging an EV at home is significantly cheaper than filling a petrol tank, especially when using off-peak electricity or solar.

With far fewer moving parts than a petrol engine — no oil changes, no timing belts, no exhaust system — servicing is simpler and typically cheaper too. Over several years of ownership, those savings add up quickly, especially for families managing tight budgets.

Smooth, quiet and stress-free driving

Electric motors deliver instant torque, making the E5 feel responsive around town and effortless on highways.

There are no gear changes, no engine noise and no vibration — just smooth, quiet progress that’s perfect for suburban streets, school runs and long family road trips.

The E5’s EV platform also allows for better weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity, helping it feel stable and confidence-inspiring on the road.

Designed for families who want more for less

Like its hybrid sibling, the Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, the E5 follows Chery’s value-first philosophy: advanced technology, premium touches and everyday usability without the luxury price tag.

Expect features like:

• Large dual screens
• Full-size spare wheel
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Voice control
• Modern active safety suite
• Quality cabin materials
• Practical boot space
• 6-speaker audio system
• Comfortable seating for growing families

That’s just at entry level, whereas the top-spec Ultimate adds;

• Power tailgate
• Power sunroof
• Ambient lighting
• Heated front & rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• 50W wireless phone charging
• 8-speaker Sony 4 sound system
• Sequential rear turn signals.

Chery has been very deliberate about designing vehicles that deliver more at a price point where every dollar matters — and that’s a huge part of the E5’s appeal.

Zero tailpipe emissions

For families who want to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing practicality, an EV eliminates tailpipe emissions entirely.

That means cleaner local air quality, lower lifetime emissions, and the ability to run your daily life on renewable or solar energy if you choose.

A simple explanation of the Chery E5’s electric powertrain

Many people are curious about how EVs actually work — and the good news is, it’s much simpler than it sounds.

Electric Motor

The Chery E5 uses a powerful electric motor that drives the wheels directly. There’s no gearbox with multiple ratios — EVs generally use a single-speed transmission. This is why the response feels instant and smooth.

Battery Pack

A large lithium-ion battery sits under the floor, safely sealed and cooled. This battery stores the energy you use to drive, just like a fuel tank stores petrol — but completely recyclable and with smart thermal management to protect its lifespan.

Regenerative Braking

When you lift off the accelerator or brake gently, the E5 uses its electric motor to collect and store energy that would otherwise be lost. It feeds this energy back into the battery, helping extend your driving range.

Charging the Chery E5: Everything you need to know

Home Charging (AC)

This is how most owners charge their EVs.

• Plug in overnight
• Wake up with a “full tank” every morning
• Cheapest way to run the car (especially off-peak)
• Best paired with rooftop solar for ultra-low-cost motoring

A wall box charger typically adds 20–40 km of range per hour, depending on capacity.

Public Fast Charging (DC)

For longer trips, DC fast chargers top up your battery much more quickly.

• Short top-ups on the go
• Ideal on road trips or during busy days
• Typically 20–45 minutes depending on the charger and battery state

The E5 supports modern fast-charging standards, meaning it can take advantage of Australia’s expanding network from Ampol, Evie, Chargefox, NRMA and Tesla Superchargers (where compatible).

Some EV owners even charge their EV while shopping or at the gym via Jolt 25kWh fast charging stations scattered around the suburbs. These can add significant range over an hour or so, with up to 7kWh free energy before billing starts at some stations.

Charging Safety & Longevity

Chery’s EV battery systems include:

• Thermal management
• Battery health monitoring
• Safety interlocks
• Overheat and overcharge protection

Modern EV batteries are designed to last over 8-15 years, and Chery provides strong battery warranties for peace of mind.

Additional Notes on Charging & Real-World Use

• The 58.9 kWh battery gives a realistic daily range well suited for typical family use — school runs, commuting, errands, plus occasional longer drives.
• Home charging (AC) overnight will cover most daily use — ideal for busy families.
• DC fast-charging (up to 130 kW) handles longer trips or quick top-ups on the road. On a suitable charger, you can go from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes — enough time for a coffee break or supermarket stop.
• The modest energy consumption (132Wh/km) makes the E5 more efficient than many larger EVs — which helps reduce electricity cost per kilometre, and extends range between charges.
• The 750kg towing capacity is unusual in the EV-SUV segment: it gives families flexibility (e.g. for a small trailer, bike rack, or light caravan) without leaving EV territory behind

Why the E5 makes EV ownership easy

Where some EVs can feel overly complex and a bit daunting, the Chery E5 focuses on the essential needs of everyday Aussie families:

• Affordability
• Ease of ownership
• Long-term running cost savings
• Strong standard equipment
• Simple, reliable electrification
• Strong, comprehensive warranty program; offering a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty
• Plus, an eight year unlimited kilometre warranty specifically for its high-voltage battery
• Seven years of capped-price servicing, and up to seven-years roadside assist (the first year is complimentary), if the car is continuously serviced at a Chery dealer

Priced from just $38,990 drive away for the Urban, and $42,990 for the range-topping Ultimate, the E5 is an EV that doesn’t overpromise, doesn’t overcomplicate, and doesn’t demand premium pricing — it simply offers a smarter way into a fully-electric vehicle ownership.

Chery E5 — Specifications

Powertrain

• Drivetrain: Single electric motor (FWD)
• Power: 155 kW
• Torque: 288 Nm
• Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 7.6 seconds

Battery & Range

• Battery Capacity: 58.9 kWh LFP
• Range (WLTP): 430 km
• Consumption: Approx. 132Wh/hm
• Regenerative braking: Yes

Charging

• AC Home Charging: 6.6 kW onboard charger
• DC Fast Charging: Up to 130 kW
• Fast Charge Time: ~30 minutes (30–80%)

Dimensions & Practicality

• Length: 4,424 mm
• Width: 1,830 mm
• Height: 1,588 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,610 mm
• Boot Space: 300 L (1,079 L with seats down)
• Front Storage (“Frunk”): approx. 19 L
• Towing Capacity: 750 kg (non-braked)

Final thoughts

What Chery’s done here is deliver a proper, real-world EV for real-world money.

The E5 drives smoothly, sips energy, feels premium inside, and undercuts most rivals by thousands, making it a seriously compelling first step into electric motoring.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Chery E5. Click here to get a great deal.

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MORE: Explore the Chery E5 showroom