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Jaecoo has defied convention by launching an electric vehicle first and a petrol version second, but says there is still interest in both.
Chinese car brand Jaecoo says the fuel crisis is not a concern amid the launch of the purely petrol-powered version of its popular J5 electric SUV.
“Not every customer is ready to make the switch to EV [electric] today,” said Omoda Jaecoo Australia chief commercial officer Roy Munoz.
“[Even though] EV demand is growing, petrol is still the largest powertrain in Australia, [representing] 35 per cent [of the total market].”
The Jaecoo J5 has been available as an electric vehicle since late 2025, sold in a single high-specification trim level with a 58.9kWh battery and 155kW/288Nm front electric motor.
The petrol-only model in showrooms from June uses parent company Chery's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 108kW/210Nm, for fuel consumption rated at 7.5L/100km.
Despite this, the brand still sees a need for petrol-powered vehicles in Australia, citing the coverage of all propulsion options for its range.
“I think the success of J5 EV isn't just because it's an electric vehicle. I think it's a well-appointed, beautifully designed and styled vehicle,” said Munoz.
“To be able to provide that in an alternate powertrain, which is still 35 per cent of the market today, I think there's still an opportunity there to address cost-of-living pressure.
"It’s not simply about making the fuel source cheaper or more accessible. It's making the vehicle more accessible because, to some people, electric vehicles might not be as convenient.”
Still amid the fuel crisis from the conflict in the Middle East, battery electric vehicles continue to smash sales records – making up 14.6 per cent of all new car sales in March 2026, which is an increase of 88.9 per cent over March 2025.
Fuel excise cuts from the federal government have helped the price average price of 91-octane unleaded petrol drop below $2 per litre, while diesel was last week $2.75/litre on average – a segment that holds around 30 per cent of the new-car market year to date.
The petrol J5 is priced from $25,990 drive-away for the entry-level Track grade, and rises to $29,990 for the Summit, sharing most of the EV's features at a $7000 lower price.
Sitting in the small SUV segment, the J5 has the GWM Haval Jolion, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Corolla Cross to battle with, but is priced comparably to its less-luxury-focused sister, the Chery Tiggo 4, which starts from $23,990 drive away.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
