Chinese carmakers are leading the way went it comes to EVs, but this one brand is flipping the script.
Every car in the top 10 best-selling EVs for May 2026 was built in China, including the ,
The J5 EV claimed the title for the best-selling small in May 2026.
‘s Australian Chief Officer Roy Munoz said the brand is not classed as a specialist electric carmaker, despite this result.
The J5 EV was one of Group’s first fully-electric models put on sale Down Under, with much of its range adopting or set-ups.
It was the group’s most successful model in May, but Munoz said it is doing so while tackling more EV-specific competition.
“Being that Omoda Jaecoo, and I guess Chery as a wider group, is not just an EV brand. We are a traditional car company,” Munoz on CarsGuide.
“It also proves that we are a company where an EV is within our capability as well.
“To be able to achieve that, not being known as an EV brand is a true testament to the capabilities of Omoda Jaecoo and Chery as a group.”
A petrol variant of the J5 recently launched in Australia, with Omoda Jaecoo still eager to cater for an internal combustion consumer base.
This approach contrasts many of Chery’s key rivals, such as , that does not offer any petrol-only models in Australia.
It demonstrates Omoda Jaecoo trying to cover all bases. A plug-less version of the J5 is also due in showrooms before the end of the year.
It comes as many legacy brands also phase out petrol-only options for key models.
One of the J5’s rivals the will launch for its new generation with a hybrid offering, ditching its popular pure petrol variant.
It will become more difficult for brands to have pure internal combustion engines in their lineups with Australian emissions regulations becoming more stringent in the coming years.
Munoz said Omoda Jaecoo is aware of the potential impacts of New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) fines on a strong sales return for the petrol J5.
He said the brand would balance to ensure it meets its NVES obligations, with J5 EV acting as a shield to provide credits at this stage.