Chery J6 REEV SUV Spotted Testing on Bekasi Roads

Jakarta - The national automotive market is set to be enlivened by the arrival of a new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) from China. A camouflaged SUV, suspected to be the Chery J6, was recently spotted in the Pondok Gede area of Bekasi, East Jakarta. The vehicle was seen still using a standard number plate rather than the special plates designated for electric vehicles, leading to speculation that it is the Chery J6 REEV.

REEV stands for Range Extended Electric Vehicle. In this system, the wheels are driven entirely by an electric motor, while a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery. This concept is designed to extend the vehicle’s driving range without the full dependence on charging stations, aiming to alleviate range anxiety commonly associated with electric vehicles.

In its home market of China, the model is offered with two drivetrain options. A single-motor version produces up to 248 hp and 300 Nm of torque, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant delivers a combined output of approximately 400 hp and 505 Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive version is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The vehicle is equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs with capacities of 20.6 kWh and 33.7 kWh, providing a pure electric range of 135 km and 215 km respectively. When combined with a 45-litre fuel tank, the total driving range can reach up to 1,200 km.

Dimensionally, the boxy SUV measures 4,545 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,815 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,783 mm, making it larger than the Chery J6 EV currently available in Indonesia. Specifications from China indicate the vehicle features MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup, along with adaptive damping suspension and various driving modes for different terrains. The cabin includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instrument panel, and wireless connectivity.

Chery Indonesia has yet to officially confirm the model’s launch. However, the appearance of a camouflaged unit on public roads suggests preparations are underway to broaden the company’s electrified vehicle offerings with a drivetrain technology distinct from the pure electric models already marketed.