Jaecoo EJ6: Is electric the future for off-road?
Jaecoo opens a new segment in the local EV market
The image that has been cultivated of the EV is that of a small car meant for urban areas. We can see that with the many tiny hatchbacks that go around many major metropolitan areas all around the developed world.
That has been changing though. Many EV manufacturers are venturing into territory that isn't what would normally be expected of a car that runs on pure electric. EV technology is starting to become more common in large logistics trucks, maximizing the potential of the mountains of torque on offer. You'll even find EVs spanking performance cars on the highway or on the dragstrip because the acceleration is so immediate, much to the dismay of many petrolheads.
If there was one area that many didn't expect EVs to exist, then that is when the road disappears and a muddy trail begins. That's exactly what Jaecoo wants to achieve with the new EJ6.
Just in case you’re wondering, Jaecoo is one of the sub-brands under Chinese automobile manufacturing giant Chery Automotive, and part of the duo brand Omoda & Jaecoo here in the Philippines. While the other sub-brands concentrate on urban modes of transport, Jaecoo leans towards a more outdoorsy lifestyle.
Omoda & Jaecoo didn't have the best of starts in the Philippine market, but they're out to win the hearts and minds of customers. The EJ6 already made its debut during the recently held Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, but a week prior I had the chance to personally check out an EJ6 demo unit at Omoda & Jaecoo’s headquarters in Wuhu, China. This was part of the week-long itinerary of the Omoda & Jaecoo Global User Summit.
Jaecoo is really opening a new segment in the volume EV market with an electric 4x4 SUV. Combining power, battery capacity, and off-road readiness, this sets it apart from most EVs which mainly focus on urban and highway driving rather than off-road versatility.
They seem to have gotten the design right, as the Jaecoo EJ6 carries that utilitarian but ruggedly modern look that instantly captures attention and perfectly fits its purpose. Its flat roof and box-like, exterior styling infuses familiar design cues, but greatly work to its advantage.
More importantly, Jaecoo pushed the wheels out forward and back to effectively reduce the overhangs. The purpose is to give it good approach and departure angles for off-road, though we wish they provided the actual numbers for that.
From the square over fenders to the bare black bumpers with short front and rear overhangs, it does look the part by invoking a retro-modern SUV look, much like a Jimny does. In terms of exterior size, the 4-door Jaecoo EJ6 embodies the ideal dimensions that would make it fit and feel right at home, given our narrow roads and horrendous bumper to bumper traffic.
To give a better idea the EJ6 is 4406 millimeters long, 1715 mm in height, 1910 mm wide, and has a wheelbase of 2715 mm. This makes it a bit longer and slightly bigger than a 5-door Suzuki Jimny, but closer to the dimensions of the current-gen Toyota RAV4.
The cabin of the EJ6 is sufficient enough to accommodate five adults with nicely sculpted leather seats and amenities such as, rear vents and a folding armrest with cupholders.
The rear cargo area measures 450 liters that expands with 60/40 fold flat rear seats. What we like is the swing out rear door feature. Yes, a liftgate would be easier and consume less space, but there's just something about a classic swing out tailgate that just says off-roader to us.
The highlight of the cabin would have to be the 15.6-inch infotainment system with a 12-speaker Infinity audio system. The huge LCD touch screen also provides access to Jaecoo’s Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) and more.
What makes it unique is its female virtual assistant that responds to several voice commands like opening the sunroof, aircon settings, windows and more, allowing for hands free operation.
Utilizing a full-time AWD system with dual electric motors at the fore and aft, it has a combined output of 279 PS and 385 Nm of torque, so I wouldn’t dare call the EJ6 slow.
Powering the motors are dual lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that collectively store 69.77 kwh. This allows it to offer a driving range of 421 km with braking regenerative functions. With 200mm of ground clearance and a water wading depth of 600mm, there's no need to worry about water splashes or moderate floods.
The suspension utilizes tried and tested MacPherson struts and a multi-link set up, running on 19-inch alloy wheels with street radials. Going over mixed sections of paved highway surfaces, the EJ6 did its best to absorb road irregularities, given our limited time with it.
The real test, was an extremely muddy off-road course. After the driver's briefing, I proceeded onto the twisty course, composed of several tight bends as it ascended into a mild hill and descending with a spectacular plunge through a mud pit.
With the drive mode set at muddy, the EJ6 oversteered as to be expected. But after reducing tire slippage together with the instantaneous output from the dual motors, it was able to maintain its balance, inducing it out of the slide and move forward.
The Jaecoo EJ6 stands unique in our local EV market as there aren’t any similar competing EV models yet. We don't think pure electric would really appeal to serious off-road enthusiasts especially since this will still be limited by the distance to the nearest charging station, but it would be an interesting and capable option for someone that is looking for an electric SUV for everyday that can also take on tricky terrain on weekends or even handle the occassional campsite adventure.
It may be a light off roader, but the EJ6 provides an interesting alternative for enthusiasts seeking both performance and adventure in an electric vehicle. If all goes as planned, they are planning to make the Jaecoo EJ6 available to customers before year end.
