JMEV EV Black

Model Overview

The JMEV EV Black is a C-segment fully electric sedan introduced by JMCG New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd. (JMEV). In the Chinese domestic market, it is commonly marketed under the name "Yi", while export markets know it as the "JMEV GSE" or "Yichi 05". The EV Black represents a dedicated variant or blacked-out styling package of the model line. The sedan was born out of a strategic joint venture between JMCG and the Renault Group, following JMEV's restructuring in 2019 under Renault's majority ownership. By 2023, JMEV had achieved cumulative EV sales exceeding 100,000 units. In terms of dimensions, the EV Black measures 4,675 mm long, 1,835 mm wide, and 1,438 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm in a classic four-door, five-seater three-box sedan silhouette. It is priced at around RM186,800 in China and is concurrently offered in various international markets.

Design Language

The JMEV EV Black adopts the brand's signature EV styling, highlighted by a clean, closed-off front fascia that underscores its zero-emission identity alongside an easily recognisable T-shaped black front grille motif. The "EV Black" badge brings a distinct blacked-out treatment across exterior and interior accents for a sportier and more bespoke aesthetic, complete with dark body paint options, black-finished alloy wheels, and an all-black interior theme. Sleek, minimalist lines run along the flanks to keep aerodynamic drag low, while the rear gets distinctive Y-shaped LED tail lamp clusters for strong nighttime presence.

Inside, the cabin features a driver-centric wraparound asymmetric layout primarily finished in black, tastefully highlighted by chrome accents and Chinese inkstone-inspired textured trims to blend classic artistry with modern tech. The seats are upholstered in black synthetic leather, with electric adjustment for the front occupants, including a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

Powertrain and Performance

The JMEV EV Black is driven by a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 118 kW (around 160 PS) and 222 Nm of torque (164 lb-ft), achieving the 0-100 km/h sprint in 10 seconds flat. Juicing the motor is a 60 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack, good for a WLTC-rated driving range of 450 km, alongside an average energy efficiency of approximately 12.5 kWh/100 km. For charging, DC fast charging takes the battery from 30% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in 34 minutes, while a 6.6 kW AC wallbox charger completes a full charge in roughly 10 to 12 hours.

Selected overseas markets also receive a higher-output dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) sister variant. This dual-motor setup churns out a punchy combined system output of 170 kW (around 228 PS) and 395 Nm of peak torque, cutting the 0-100 km/h sprint time down to just 5.8 seconds, while offering a CLTC range of roughly 470 km.

Ride and Handling

Underneath, the EV Black rides on a full independent suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link arrangement, giving it a competent ride and handling baseline uncommon in entry-level EV sedans. It operates on a front-wheel-drive layout with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Stopping power comes courtesy of ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, linked to an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), riding on 215/55 R17 tyres. Certain export-spec models boast a ground clearance of up to 171 mm, offering better clearance for uneven road surfaces. Drivers can toggle between Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, complemented by multi-stage adjustable regenerative braking.

Cabin and Equipment

On the infotainment front, the EV Black is offered with two screen configurations depending on the variant: base trims make do with a 7-inch semi-digital instrument display and an infotainment unit, while higher-spec variants boast a twin-screen glass cockpit featuring a 10.25-inch full digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch floating central touchscreen. The infotainment setup runs on iFLYTEK's smart voice assistant, complete with gesture control, telematics connectivity, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and smartphone screen mirroring. Overseas models further benefit from factory-integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Cabin comfort is well catered for, featuring automatic climate control with rear air vents, keyless entry with push-start button, and cruise control as standard. Acoustic duties are handled by a 6-speaker audio setup. Device connectivity includes dual USB/Type-C ports upfront and dedicated USB ports in the rear. The rear bench folds down to extend boot utility. Higher-spec export units also gain a panoramic glass roof, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and customisable multi-colour ambient lighting.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For passive safety, the EV Black is engineered with a high-tensile steel safety cage structure, equipped with dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags (variant-dependent), alongside a standard Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. Active safety kit includes ABS with EBD, Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), with rear parking sensors and a reverse camera fitted as standard across the range.

On the advanced safety front, flagship EV Black variants come equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The suite includes Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Select export units also add a 360-degree surround-view camera system and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) for extra peace of mind when parking and changing lanes.

Market Reception and Verdict

The JMEV EV Black (Yi / JMEV GSE) has seen steady, unpretentious sales figures in China's competitive EV space, serving as an accessible foundation for the brand in the compact electric segment. Globally, the car has gained stronger momentum, making its way into markets across Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, and the Philippines. In Nepal, the JMEV GSE debuted in December 2024 with a price tag of RM5,399,000, positioned as a value-packed executive EV sedan. In Saudi Arabia, the 2025 Yichi 05 retails between 66,460 and 92,061 Saudi Riyals. In the Philippines, JMEV products have been officially distributed via the Astara Group under the JMC dealer network since 2025.

Owner feedback highlights the EV Black’s sharp modern aesthetics, decent interior finishing, supple ride quality from its rear multi-link independent suspension, and dependable real-world efficiency as its main selling points. On the flip side, criticisms focus on its rather modest straight-line performance (a 10-second 0-100 km/h time on single-motor variants is merely entry-level by modern EV standards), relatively conservative DC charging rates, and early owner reports citing battery degradation, minor component niggles, and limited aftersales coverage. All in all, as the debut global EV product engineered through the JMCG-Renault partnership, the JMEV EV Black provides honest chassis hardware and decent tech, carving a viable niche in emerging markets despite tough competition from segment heavyweights like the BYD Qin PLUS EV and GAC AION S.