The Sunray EV is an all-electric light commercial vehicle (European-style multi-purpose commercial van) rolled out by JAC Group under the JAC Sunray marque. It is targeted as a new energy commercial vehicle tailored for urban last-mile delivery, passenger transport, staff commuting, and specialised fleet applications. Serving as a core model for the JAC Sunray commercial platform in the EV space, the Sunray EV debuted around 2021 with both panel van (logistics) and window van (passenger) variants, receiving continuous annual updates. In 2024, the line-up was further refined into a dual-series offensive comprising the New 5 Series and 6 Series, offering distinct body sizes and payloads to suit different fleet requirements.
In terms of dimensions, the Sunray EV is available in multiple configurations across both series: the New 5 Series measures 5,497/5,645 mm long, 2,080 mm wide, and 2,405 mm tall, riding on a 3,360 mm wheelbase; the 6 Series measures 5,995 mm long, 2,098 mm wide, and 2,645 mm tall with a 3,570 mm wheelbase. Kerb weight for the New 5 Series ranges between 2,210 kg and 2,270 kg with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3,800 kg, while the 6 Series tips the scales at 2,790 kg with a GVW of 4,495 kg. Payload capacity is rated at up to 1,575 kg on the 6 Series and 1,460 kg on the New 5 Series—surpassing same-class rivals by 30%. When fully laden, ground clearance stands at 155 mm for the 6 Series and 190 mm for the New 5 Series, ensuring decent rough-road clearance in city driving.
Pricing-wise, the New 5 Series Panel Van carries an official retail price of RM186,800, the 6 Series Panel Van starts from RM246,800, and the 6 Series Window Van (14-seater) is priced between RM268,800 and RM308,800. The entire line-up enjoys exemptions from purchase tax and road tax, translating to an estimated on-the-road (OTR) price of around RM194,400 to RM255,600.
Styling-wise, the Sunray EV carries over the signature European-style commercial van aesthetics of the JAC Sunray stable, projecting a clean, functional, and boxy silhouette. Up front, modern EV-centric styling cues blend with clean character lines, retaining the workhorse practicality of a commercial van while delivering distinct EV recognition. The flank incorporates standard front cab doors alongside a manual kerbside sliding door, ensuring effortless ingress/egress for the driver and seamless cargo loading. The 6 Series features a 5-door configuration (including rear barn doors), whereas the New 5 Series adopts a 2-door cab layout. Around the back, 180-degree opening twin barn doors come as standard alongside a low cargo floor height (<650 mm), cutting down manual loading fatigue and enhancing operational efficiency. Exterior paint choices include Cold Moon White, Starlight Silver, Future Blue, and Benz Black.
Inside, the Sunray EV focuses purely on workhorse practicality. The dashboard adopts an MPV-style layout with ergonomically grouped controls for straightforward operation. Panel van variants feature a 3-seater bench (driver + 2-seater passenger bench), while window van models offer versatile multi-seat layouts ranging from 10 to 14 seats. The seats are wrapped in breathable fabric designed to withstand long hours behind the wheel. A flat walkthrough cabin layout coupled with a low-mounted handbrake lever between the seats enables the front bench to convert into a makeshift day bed, while multiple storage cubbies further enhance long-haul usability and day-to-day cabin comfort.
The Sunray EV utilises a rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout across the range, driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor with varying outputs depending on the variant. The New 5 Series is driven by an electric motor delivering a peak output of 100 kW (approx. 136 PS) and 310 Nm of torque (motor code TZ220XS050, supplied by Hefei Daoyi). The 6 Series steps up to a peak output of 110 kW (approx. 150 PS), a rated torque of 382 Nm, and an impressive peak wheel-torque rating of up to 920 Nm (motor code TZ260XS060, supplied by Ankai Jinda), rated at 1,500 rpm with a maximum motor speed of 4,500 rpm. Both variants are paired with a single-speed direct-drive reduction gearbox, achieving a top speed of ≥100 km/h. The 6 Series boasts a maximum gradeability of 25%, capable of tackling steep ramps and mild water wading.
Battery-wise, the Sunray EV uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry sourced from proven tier-1 suppliers depending on the variant. The New 5 Series packs a 53.76 kWh LFP battery pack from Gotion High-tech, engineered for high energy density and extended cycle life; the 6 Series gets a larger 77.28 kWh LFP pack supplied by CATL, renowned for proven cell reliability.
Range ratings under the CLTC cycle stand at 230 km for the 6 Series (matching the 14-seater window van), stretching up to 350 km under constant-speed driving; the New 5 Series delivers 210 km on the CLTC cycle and up to 310 km at constant cruising speeds. Select 6 Series Panel Van variants claim a maximum CLTC range of up to 380 km. Combined electrical energy consumption is rated as low as 25 kWh/100 km. On DC fast charging, the 6 Series takes roughly 1 hour for a full top-up, while the New 5 Series can juice up from 5% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in just 45 minutes; AC slow charging takes 12 hours and 10 hours respectively. High-voltage auto shut-off alongside thermal and overload protections are standard, ensuring dependable operation in ambient temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C. The 6 Series also supports high-voltage power take-off (PTO) to run auxiliary electrical equipment.
Under the skin, the Sunray EV rides on a rigid monocoque chassis, suspended by a MacPherson strut independent setup up front and a heavy-duty rigid axle with 4-leaf springs at the rear—balancing front-end passenger ride comfort with heavy-duty rear load-bearing stability. Steering duties are handled by an electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) system, offering light, effortless low-speed manoeuvrability that eases the physical strain of multi-drop urban delivery routes. Braking is provided by all-round disc brakes on the 6 Series (front discs and rear drums on the New 5 Series), backed by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) alongside ABS with EBD. Tyre sizes are specified as 195/75 R16LT for the 6 Series and 215/75 R16LT for the New 5 Series, both using 10-ply rating (10PR) commercial tyres for superior load durability and extended tread life. Turning radius comes in at 6.5 metres for the New 5 Series and 7.0 metres for the 6 Series, with a 4.875 rear final drive ratio, ensuring respectable tight-space agility in urban alleyways.
The Sunray EV's cabin is configured around driver ergonomics and fleet functionality. Standard kit across the board includes an Eco drive mode, regenerative braking, and a 3.5-inch multi-info instrument display to monitor efficiency. A urethane steering wheel comes standard, with a multi-function wheel available as an option on selected trims. The New 5 Series can also be specified with cruise control to reduce driver fatigue on highway stretches. Power front windows and power-adjustable, heated side mirrors are standard across the range, with the 6 Series adding rear parking sensors for safer reversing.
In terms of cargo dimensions, the 6 Series cargo bay measures 3,470 × 1,840 × 1,855 mm, yielding a capacious load volume of roughly 12.2 cubic metres; the New 5 Series cargo bay measures 3,055 × 1,840 × 1,640/1,660 mm, translating to around 9.2 to 9.3 cubic metres. Maximum payload capacities of 1,575 kg (6 Series) and 1,460 kg (New 5 Series) easily cater to demanding commercial transport duties. Meanwhile, the 14-seater window van variant adds synthetic leather upholstery, front fog lamps, power-adjustable/heated side mirrors, and reverse parking sensors for passenger comfort and driving safety.
On the safety front, the Sunray EV is backed by essential active and passive safety features. The body employs a high-strength cage structure reinforced with high-tensile steel in critical stress areas, engineered to meet European EEC vehicle homologation standards. In terms of passive safety, the 6 Series Window Van is equipped with dual front airbags (driver and front passenger), while the 6 Series Panel Van and New 5 Series get a standard driver airbag. Standard safety equipment across the line-up includes a driver's seatbelt reminder, ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS with EBD, and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for low-speed pedestrian warning, with select variants also gaining Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Both the 6 Series Panel Van and New 5 Series feature a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and remote central locking.
As a dedicated commercial workhorse, the Sunray EV foregoes advanced Level 2 ADAS features (such as adaptive cruise control or lane keep assist), maintaining baseline L0-L1 driving assistance. Nevertheless, its standard Eco driving mode, energy regeneration, and reverse sensors/camera provide adequate safety and ease of use for day-to-day commercial duties. While it has not been tested by consumer crash test bodies like C-NCAP, its structural integrity is built in line with passenger vehicle crash standards.
The Sunray EV serves as the spearhead of JAC Motors' new energy commercial vehicle export push. Data from the General Administration of Customs reveals that JAC's commercial van line-up hit a cumulative global export volume of 19,730 units in 2024, maintaining its crown as China's number-one light commercial van exporter. The Sunray family stood out in global markets—exporting nearly 8,000 units in the first half of 2023 alone, representing a staggering fourfold year-on-year increase. The model has gained solid traction across Mexico, Colombia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine, and has penetrated demanding European markets. As early as 2019, JAC tied up with EV distribution channels in Colombia, delivering Sunray electric panel van pilot fleets by February 2020 to drive commercial green fleet transition across Colombia and Mexico.
On its home turf, the Sunray EV has become a go-to workhorse for urban logistics operators, thanks to its ultra-low operating costs (EV powertrain drastically undercutting ICE fuel bills), rock-solid LFP battery reliability (CATL and Gotion High-tech cells ensuring battery longevity), and a flexible model mix (5 Series and 6 Series dual-line strategy). The Sunray EV is actively deployed by fleet operators such as Shengshilong Pharmaceutical for urban multi-drop routes, averaging around 160 km daily while earning praise for its real-world range and charging turnarounds.
Overall, user and fleet feedback highlights the Sunray EV's exceptional spatial practicality (up to 12.2 m³ of cargo volume), low running costs, and rock-solid mechanical reliability. However, isolated user complaints have pointed to room for improvement regarding the lead time of aftersales spare parts. In the broader scope, the Sunray EV marks a pivotal step in JAC Motors' evolution from a conventional van builder into a frontrunner in smart new energy commercial vehicles. Bolstered by CATL/Gotion High-tech LFP batteries, a high-torque rear-wheel-drive motor setup, and a well-segmented product portfolio, the Sunray EV combines sharp pricing with stellar export credentials. It serves as a benchmark for Chinese new energy commercial vans on the global stage, proving the engineering prowess and manufacturing quality of "Made in China" to commercial fleet buyers worldwide as China's leading electric van exporter.
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