by Over 90% of electric vehicles on Ukrainian roads are used. It’s not surprising, as most of these models are expensive, and Ukrainian motorists have to opt for second-hand. However, the market offers an alternative to the popular used Nissan Leaf – the Chinese electric crossover JAC iEV7S.
The JAC iEV7S electric car is based on the JAC S2 crossover. In terms of size, it’s a B-class – 4135 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2490 mm. Surprisingly, the electric car is not too heavy – weighing 1460 kg.
The design of JAC iEV7S is laconic yet distinctive, and there’s no copying of other models (as is often the case in China). The electric car can be distinguished from its sibling S2 by the grille plug and blue inserts on the body.
The interior of the JAC iEV7S is trimmed with leather with bright red stitching and even features inserts that mimic carbon fiber. The quality is quite high: the test car has been driven for 25,000 km, and there are no signs of wear in the cabin. The instrument cluster is simple – a monochrome display for the speedometer and onboard computer is accompanied by indicators for battery charge and temperature. An interesting detail is the absence of a parking position on the gear lever.
The center panel features an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Of course, a larger display would be preferable, but it has interesting powertrain graphics. There are touch-sensor shortcut buttons on either side of the screen. Though most switches are more traditional. There is one USB port and a 120-volt socket in the cigarette lighter.
The steering wheel and driver’s seat are height adjustable. The front seats support the back quite well. They are heated, and the driver has a foldable armrest. The visibility is not bad and there are even surround-view cameras. What is missing are compartments for small items.
The second row has enough space for two average-sized adults. There’s ample legroom, and even headroom is sufficient. The trunk is quite large – 450 liters. The rear seats fold down, but the floor in the cabin isn’t flat. Additionally, there’s no spare tire – only a compressor and sealant are provided.
However, the JAC iEV7S is decently equipped – push-button start, climate control, cruise control, light and rain sensors, parking sensors at the front and rear, audio, 16-inch alloy wheels, and an electric parking brake.
The electric motor develops 115 hp, which is quite enough for the small crossover. Especially since a considerable 270 Nm of torque is available right from the start. In the city, the JAC iEV7S accelerates surprisingly quickly – it takes only 4 seconds to sprint to 50 km/h. But then the motor calms down, and it reaches 100 km/h in 12 seconds. The top speed is limited to 130 km/h, but driving more than 90 km/h isn’t very desirable – the battery drains very quickly on the highway. After all, this electric vehicle is more suited for the city.
Interestingly, the battery was created by Samsung, and its capacity is 40 kWh. According to the specification, the range is 300 km, but in winter with the heater on, it’s realistically about 230-235 km. So the average electricity consumption is about 6 km/kWh.
There is an Eco mode, which reduces throttle sensitivity – adding roughly 10-12 km. At night, with the air temperature around zero, the battery loses 1% charge – we didn’t experience any severe frost.
The JAC iEV7S can be charged at home from a socket in about 8 hours. It also supports fast charging up to 50 kW – in this case, it takes 50 minutes (for an 80% charge). The Chinese electric car comes with CCS and Type 2/Mennekes cables.
On our roads, the JAC iEV7S suspension performs well but loudly. It’s not the softest, but the crossover leans very little – thanks in part to the battery in the chassis lowering the center of gravity. The steering is light and not particularly informative. However, the turning diameter is only 10 m. On the highway, aerodynamic noises don’t particularly interfere, and naturally, the motor isn’t heard.
The brake pedal is seldom needed in the city – when you release the accelerator, regenerative braking effectively slows the electric car. If you choose a long descent, you can even recharge the battery by 1%. However, complete stopping is not possible – this function switches off at speeds below 10 km/h.
The price of the JAC iEV7S is 575,000 hryvnias. On one hand, it’s not too little for a Chinese car, but on the other hand, only used electric cars are available in this price range. Here, however, you get a new battery and warranty.
Specifications of JAC iEV7S:
- Electric motor, front transverse
- Power 115 hp
- Max torque 270 Nm
- Front-wheel drive
- 1-speed gearbox
- Max speed 130 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h 12 s
- Range (official) – 300 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4300/1750/1560/2490 mm
- Trunk volume 450 liters
- Ground clearance 150 mm
- Turning diameter 10 m
