2024 Chery Omoda E5 aims to be among Australia’s 10 top-selling electric cars this year

Chinese car maker Chery has outlined big ambitions for its first electric vehicle in Australia, the 2024 Chery Omoda E5 electric SUV, due in showrooms in the second half of this year.

Prices of the Omoda E5 – planned to be offered in two model grades – are yet to be announced, but Chery Australia executives said it would be "competitive".

It has named its key rivals as the BYD Atto 3 SUV and MG 4 hatch, which are priced from $48,011 plus on-road costs, and $39,990 drive-away respectively.

The Chinese car maker aims for the new model to be a Top 10 seller in the electric-vehicle market in 2024 – which, based on last year's sales, would need to see it sell at least 1100 examples before the first fireworks on New Year's Day.

For reference, about 11,000 BYD Atto 3s, 3100 MG 4s and 2800 MG ZS EVs were reported as sold locally during the 2023 calendar year.

"Absolutely, yes. No problem at all," Chery Australia managing director Lucas Harris told Drive when asked if the Omoda E5 would be a Top 10-selling electric car in 2024.

"We've got ample supply, it's not really a constraint for us at all. We're very confident we'll be able to position that product and have a great value for money offering for customers."

Mr Harris said Chery Australia hopes to not only appeal to buyers shopping for an electric car, but those looking at a petrol-powered Chery – who may be tempted into an electric model due to its price and equipment.

Already confirmed to be available in the Australian-market Omoda E5 is a 12.3-inch touchscreen and panoramic sunroof.

Overseas, the Omoda E5 is powered by a 150kW/340Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, and a 61kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.

It is claimed to allow up to 430km of WLTP lab-tested driving range, energy use of 15.5kWh/100km, and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.6 seconds. Specifications for Australia are yet to be announced.