Chery Omoda E5 News

A Chinese technology company backed by carmaker Chery has begun production of its first batch of high-density solid-state batteries.

Chery may only have arrived in Australia a few years ago but the Chinese automotive giant has revealed major expansion plans.

The electric car price wars have renewed with increased intensity in 2025.Chery is the latest maker to slash thousands off its electric car as it tries to move stock.The brand’s first electric car, the Omoda E5, is now $6000 cheaper at $36,990 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level BX grade.This matches the drive-away run out deal on the soon to be replaced MG ZS EV, though this is only on older 2023 versions.This price discount follows similar price cuts by MG late in 2024, which took thousands off older versions of its MG4 electric hatchback.BYD just announced new entry-level versions of its Dolphin electric mini hatchback and Atto 3 small SUV. The cheaper Dolphin now starts just below $30,000 (before on-road costs).Chery Australia boss Lewis Lu said it is growing its electric and hybrid portfolio this year with several new models.“At Chery, we are committed to accelerating the transition to clean energy by making electric vehicles more affordable for everyone, and easing the burden for consumers in these tough economic times” said Lu.The Omoda E5 is powered by a single electric motor, which sends 150kW and 340Nm to the front wheels.A 61kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a driving range of up to 430km and can accept a maximum charge rate of 80kW. Chery claims this can replenish the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in half an hour when connected to a DC fast charger.There is a fair level of standard kit, too.The base BX comes with cloth seats with synthetic leather highlights, wireless device charger, six-speaker Sony stereo, 18-inch alloy wheels, 18 driver aids and two 12.3-inch digital displays with one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments.It also has a full size spare tyre, which is a massive advantage over the tyre repair kit other electric cars are dealt.The Omoda E5 received a five star ANCAP safety rating, too.Chery said the deal remains in place until stock lasts.

Australia’s independent assessor of vehicle safety, ANCAP, has awarded a maximum five star rating to the MG HS and electric Chery Omoda E5.ANCAP said the MG HS was tested according to the body’s latest safety protocols, while the five-star rating of the existing Chery Omoda 5 – which is according to 2022 Protocols – was extended to cover the electric variant.The MG HS’ strongest test results were found in the Adult Occupant Protection category, where it scored a 90 per cent rating. This was achieved by full points awarded in the side impact, oblique pole, whiplash protection and far-side impact tests.A score of 87 per cent was also achieved for Child Occupant Protection with protection of critical body regions rated as ‘Good’.The HS’ performance in Vulnerable Road User Protection also scored well, achieving an 83 per cent score that was backed up by well-performing advanced driver assistance systems in car-to-motorcycle crash scenarios, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB).Having said that, the performance of AEB back over, the system that detects pedestrians when reversing, was rated as ‘Marginal’, with the 'Driver Assist' category delivering the HS' lowest score out of the four testing categories of 73 per cent.ANCAP’s CEO, Carla Hoorweg, said MG was continuing to showcase its safety credentials.“The previous generation MG HS achieved a five-star result against 2019 criteria. Our protocols have been upgraded twice since then, so it is positive to see MG continue to invest in the safety of the HS”, said Hoorweg.While carrying over the petrol Omoda 5’s five-star rating, the Chery Omoda E5 stood up under some additional testing – such as front offset and oblique pole crash tests – to confirm its safety performance as well as the integrity of its high-voltage battery in a crash scenario.“This five-star rating for the Omoda E5 will be a welcome addition to the shopping lists of consumers and fleets in the market for a five-star EV,” said Hoorweg.Interested buyers can check out the full details of the safety report on the MG HS and Chery Omoda E5 at ANCAP’s website here.

Chery is the latest car brand to join the solid state battery party.

The Omoda E5 is a compact SUV and will compete with the MG ZS EV, BYD Atto 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. Chery will reveal the E5’s price before it lands in showrooms next month, but expect it to be competitively priced in the low-$40,000 range.