Jaecoo J5 EV Review Australia: Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Shows Real Costs and Real Capability

On the drive from Sydney Airport to collect the Jaecoo J5 EV, my Uber driver shared her thoughts on electric vehicles.

She believed EVs were not suitable for Australia. She said they could not handle long distances, that range was too limited, and even suggested they could be remotely shut down. She also said she could not do her job as an Uber driver in an EV because she would not be able to cover enough distance in a day.

At that point, she did not know that she was taking me to collect an EV that I would later that day drive from Sydney to Brisbane.

Over the next 10 to 12 hours, I would cover more distance than she would typically drive in a full shift. I would also spend less on energy than it would cost to run her petrol SUV for the same distance.

• Total Distance Travelled: 943km
• Battery Capacity: 58.9kWh
• Charge Level Start: 100 percent
• Charge Level Finish: 10 percent
• Weather Conditions: 27-28C, heavy rainfall and severe gusting for second half of trip.

• Total public charging: 123.66kWh
• Public charging cost: $83.76
• Total trip energy cost including home charging: $101

This is a strong highway result for a front wheel drive small SUV, particularly given sustained speeds and heavy rain conditions for much of the journey.

Fuel prices across the route:

• Petrol: $2.41 per litre
• Diesel: $2.79 per litre

Even using predominantly public fast charging - the most expensive way to charge an EV, the J5 EV was cheaper to run than hybrid and petrol alternatives.

The biggest surprise was the way the car drives.

The suspension and steering feel are genuinely impressive for a vehicle at this price point. Compared to many Chinese vehicles, the J5 EV feels more composed and predictable, especially at highway speeds. Most noticeable on the stretch of highway between Sydney and Newcastle that is lumpier than a heavily used couch.

It is not a sports car, but it is a well sorted package that exceeded expectations for a $36,990 drive away vehicle.

In heavy rain, the car felt stable and planted. There was no moment where it felt unsettled or required slowing down beyond what conditions demanded.

As a front wheel drive vehicle, there is some wheel slip under harder acceleration, especially on gravel surfaces. A rear wheel drive or all wheel drive version would improve traction, but for normal driving the setup is more than adequate.

The cabin is modern, practical and comfortable.

• Responsive infotainment display that is not overly bright at night
• Wireless charging included
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Well positioned cup holders and practical storage

Ambient lighting adds a premium feel at night, while the white interior with blue piping is a standout combination.

Rear cargo space easily accommodated my Samsonite 75cm suitcase and a 55cm carry on, with room to spare.

The LED headlights provide excellent visibility. Low beam performance was strong enough that high beams were not required during the drive.

The main compromise is the audio system, which could offer better sound quality. At this price point, this is a reasonable trade-off.

One disappointment was the absence of an electricity usage history screen.

Most EVs provide a breakdown of energy consumption over time, which helps drivers better understand efficiency and driving patterns. Without this, it is harder to track detailed usage across a long trip.

For this drive, the vehicle was operated in:

• Eco mode
• Lowest energy recovery setting

Ownership is one of the areas where the Jaecoo J5 EV presents strong value, particularly for buyers considering a newer brand in the Australian market.

An 8-year unlimited kilometre warranty places the J5 EV among the more competitive offerings in the market and helps reduce concerns around long-term ownership and reliability.

The battery warranty matching the vehicle warranty is also significant. It provides confidence that the most expensive component of the vehicle is covered for the full ownership period.

The Jaecoo J5 EV features an 8-year capped price servicing program with service intervals every 12 months or 20,000km.

Service schedule

Total servicing cost

• Total servicing cost: $1,520
• Average annual servicing cost: $190 per year

The Jaecoo J5 EV delivers strong real world value.

• Lower running costs than petrol and hybrid
• Comfortable and capable over long distances
• Better driving dynamics than expected
• Practical and well equipped interior

If you are considering a Jaecoo J5 EV, the DriveWise Buy service can help you secure a competitive deal.