New EV Buying Journey

[Heartlander]

There is another car that likely to sell well here given enough publicity - Jaecoo J7 PHEV. It is a 1.5L petrol turbo plug in hybrid that can drive without refueling for 1300km per tank. It comes with a LFP 18.3 kWh battery that can provide an EV range of 106km which is sufficient for most people on daily basis. It is unique that unlike other plug in cars that allow only ac charging, it allow fast DC charging also (20 min (DC 40 kW) 200 min (AC 6.6 kW)).

With a petrol tank of 60L, it translates to about 20km/L which is not the best for any hybrid here but with the relatively big fuel tank, it would allow non-stop driving from Sg all the way to Thailand border which the local dealer has demonstrated in a media event recently. It is also relatively fast with a 8.5s century sprint and with insane 525Nm torque, more powerful than normal pickups! It also rainy season ready with 600mm wading capability and light off-road capable. No wonder news has it that it is selling very well in Malaysia.

At S$232k it is also very wallet friendly for what it has to offer. Currently the local dealer is offering following perks:

- 10-Year Battery Warranty*
- 10-Year Engine Warranty*
- 10-Year Free Servicing*  

This is definitely a viable option for those not ready to switch to EV fully. In a way it is already an EV as it can be charged daily with range of 106km per charge that is enough range for most people. And for longer trip up North, also quite frugal can last for 1300km with 60L of petrol without any range anxiety. Really the best of both world.

https://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/newcars_overview.php?CarCode=21957

 

[inlinesix]

I scare of Chery after their Omoda fiasco in Malaysia.

[Lethalstrike]

On 1/27/2025 at 10:00 AM, inlinesix said:

I scare of Chery after their Omoda fiasco in Malaysia.

Axle can shear off on a new Omoda from Chery. The welding machiam done by amateurs. Scary shit! 

[Lethalstrike]

On 1/27/2025 at 9:28 AM, Heartlander said:

There is another car that likely to sell well here given enough publicity - Jaecoo J7 PHEV. It is a 1.5L petrol turbo plug in hybrid that can drive without refueling for 1300km per tank. It comes with a LFP 18.3 kWh battery that can provide an EV range of 106km which is sufficient for most people on daily basis. It is unique that unlike other plug in cars that allow only ac charging, it allow fast DC charging also (20 min (DC 40 kW) 200 min (AC 6.6 kW)).

With a petrol tank of 60L, it translates to about 20km/L which is not the best for any hybrid here but with the relatively big fuel tank, it would allow non-stop driving from Sg all the way to Thailand border which the local dealer has demonstrated in a media event recently. It is also relatively fast with a 8.5s century sprint and with insane 525Nm torque, more powerful than normal pickups! It also rainy season ready with 600mm wading capability and light off-road capable. No wonder news has it that it is selling very well in Malaysia.

At S$232k it is also very wallet friendly for what it has to offer. Currently the local dealer is offering following perks:

- 10-Year Battery Warranty*
- 10-Year Engine Warranty*
- 10-Year Free Servicing*  

This is definitely a viable option for those not ready to switch to EV fully. In a way it is already an EV as it can be charged daily with range of 106km per charge that is enough range for most people. And for longer trip up North, also quite frugal can last for 1300km with 60L of petrol without any range anxiety. Really the best of both world.

https://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/newcars_overview.php?CarCode=21957

 

Nowadays Chinese cars are all very impressive in terms of standard specs and equipment. My only worry is despite the 10 year warranty, don't even know if this brand will still be around in 10 years time or not. Takes a leap of faith despite the aggressive pricing.

[Heartlander]

On 1/27/2025 at 11:22 AM, Lethalstrike said:

Axle can shear off on a new Omoda from Chery. The welding machiam done by amateurs. Scary shit! 

This kind of shit got reported on many Chinese EVs including BYD yet people are still snapping them up like nobody business.

Edited January 27 by Heartlander

[Heartlander]

On 1/27/2025 at 10:00 AM, inlinesix said:

I scare of Chery after their Omoda fiasco in Malaysia.

Read somewhere that this Jaecoo J7 is selling very well in Malaysia for few months already, outselling Japanese and Korea cars. And never hear any negative news from the owners yet. So I assume it is not that bad haha..

[inlinesix]

On 1/27/2025 at 11:29 AM, Lethalstrike said:

Nowadays Chinese cars are all very impressive in terms of standard specs and equipment. My only worry is despite the 10 year warranty, don't even know if this brand will still be around in 10 years time or not. Takes a leap of faith despite the aggressive pricing.

Chery is still reliable enough la.

Looking at their Omoda (in 2024), i scare.

[Volvobrick]

On 1/27/2025 at 9:28 AM, Heartlander said:

There is another car that likely to sell well here given enough publicity - Jaecoo J7 PHEV. It is a 1.5L petrol turbo plug in hybrid that can drive without refueling for 1300km per tank. It comes with a LFP 18.3 kWh battery that can provide an EV range of 106km which is sufficient for most people on daily basis. It is unique that unlike other plug in cars that allow only ac charging, it allow fast DC charging also (20 min (DC 40 kW) 200 min (AC 6.6 kW)).

With a petrol tank of 60L, it translates to about 20km/L which is not the best for any hybrid here but with the relatively big fuel tank, it would allow non-stop driving from Sg all the way to Thailand border which the local dealer has demonstrated in a media event recently. It is also relatively fast with a 8.5s century sprint and with insane 525Nm torque, more powerful than normal pickups! It also rainy season ready with 600mm wading capability and light off-road capable. No wonder news has it that it is selling very well in Malaysia.

At S$232k it is also very wallet friendly for what it has to offer. Currently the local dealer is offering following perks:

- 10-Year Battery Warranty*
- 10-Year Engine Warranty*
- 10-Year Free Servicing*  

This is definitely a viable option for those not ready to switch to EV fully. In a way it is already an EV as it can be charged daily with range of 106km per charge that is enough range for most people. And for longer trip up North, also quite frugal can last for 1300km with 60L of petrol without any range anxiety. Really the best of both world.

https://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/newcars_overview.php?CarCode=21957

 

Not very cheap, not very fast.....

cargo 500L - 1200L? Joking right? for such a visually large car. 

Edited January 27 by Volvobrick

[inlinesix]

On 1/27/2025 at 11:37 AM, Heartlander said:

This kind of shit got reported on many Chinese EVs including BYD yet people are still snapping them up like nobody business.

For China EV, anything build before 2020 is not worth looking at.

[inlinesix]

On 1/27/2025 at 11:40 AM, Heartlander said:

Read somewhere that this Jaecoo J7 is selling very well in Malaysia for few months already, outselling Japanese and Korea cars. And never hear any negative news from the owners yet. So I assume it is not that bad haha..

A lot of these cars are heavy making them less efficient.

The reason it is selling well is BMW X5 PHEV is RM500k.

[Heartlander]

On 1/27/2025 at 11:42 AM, Volvobrick said:

Not very cheap, not very fast..... 

It is not very fast but definitely decent at 8.5sec, and its 525Nm of torque would make it very easy to move around. Its road tax confirm beat all the EVs at only $1095, on top of savings on insurance since it would be regarded as an hybrid instead of EV. And with decent PARF unlike zero sum for most EVs.

In Singapore can charge everyday when necessary, and work under hybrid mode when going up North. Enjoy the benefits of EV in running cost, yet without any range anxiety. Shiok.

[Heartlander]

On 1/27/2025 at 11:46 AM, inlinesix said:

A lot of these cars are heavy making them less efficient.

The reason it is selling well is BMW X5 PHEV is RM500k.

At 1800kg it is not that heavy lah. No choice it need to lug a 18Kwh battery to serve its plug in function.

[Heartlander]

In Malaysia the J7 was launched last July as 2WD and AWD variants. The AWD variant can really go light off road.

 

[Voodooman]

On 1/27/2025 at 11:29 AM, Lethalstrike said:

Nowadays Chinese cars are all very impressive in terms of standard specs and equipment. My only worry is despite the 10 year warranty, don't even know if this brand will still be around in 10 years time or not. Takes a leap of faith despite the aggressive pricing.

Read it is caused by a miscalibration of an automated welding machine at supplier’s facility. This occurred during a facility upgrade when a worn-out welding tip was replaced with a new one, but the equipment was not recalibrated afterward. As a result, the rear trailing arm welds were insufficiently secure, leading to potential failure.

This is still crazy, despite the explanation from Omoda.

With so much price competition (quality may be compromised), really got to do some reading. Not surprised that BYD and Tesla came up top among EV players in terms of QC as they are also major exporters but not sure if BYD rapid expansion will lead to QC issues. 

[Lala81]

On 1/27/2025 at 10:00 AM, inlinesix said:

I scare of Chery after their Omoda fiasco in Malaysia.

What happened? 

Oh this axle thing. 

Edited January 27 by Lala81

[Volvobrick]

On 1/27/2025 at 1:22 PM, Voodooman said:

Read it is caused by a miscalibration of an automated welding machine at supplier’s facility. This occurred during a facility upgrade when a worn-out welding tip was replaced with a new one, but the equipment was not recalibrated afterward. As a result, the rear trailing arm welds were insufficiently secure, leading to potential failure.

This is still crazy, despite the explanation from Omoda.

With so much price competition (quality may be compromised), really got to do some reading. Not surprised that BYD and Tesla came up top among EV players in terms of QC as they are also major exporters but not sure if BYD rapid expansion will lead to QC issues. 

Didn't do batch testing? 

I remember I encountered similar weld failure. On a 30 dollar kid tricycle that I purchased from (I think) Carrefour. 

But on a car? 

Edited January 27 by Volvobrick

[inlinesix]

On 1/27/2025 at 2:57 PM, Lala81 said:

What happened? 

Oh this axle thing. 

Ya lor

In 2024, i scare le.

[Lala81]

On 1/27/2025 at 1:22 PM, Voodooman said:

Read it is caused by a miscalibration of an automated welding machine at supplier’s facility. This occurred during a facility upgrade when a worn-out welding tip was replaced with a new one, but the equipment was not recalibrated afterward. As a result, the rear trailing arm welds were insufficiently secure, leading to potential failure.

This is still crazy, despite the explanation from Omoda.

With so much price competition (quality may be compromised), really got to do some reading. Not surprised that BYD and Tesla came up top among EV players in terms of QC as they are also major exporters but not sure if BYD rapid expansion will lead to QC issues. 

Lol even though I'm no expert. But a visual inspection should see what's  properly welded vs a weld that will fail.