JMEV EV3

Model Overview

The Yizhi EV3 is an A-segment micro pure-electric vehicle introduced by JMC Group New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd., engineered primarily for urban commuting. As a core offering in JMEV's "Yizhi" model line-up, the EV made its official market launch on 26 March 2019 with an initial post-subsidy price ranging from RM66,800 to RM83,800, powered by a 35 kW electric motor delivering an NEDC-rated combined range of 302 km. In 2023, the Youth Edition was rolled out with new 251 km and 320 km range variants, bringing the entry price down to RM52,800, followed by the first sodium-ion battery-equipped unit rolling off the production line in December of that year. The 2025 PLUS version bumped the CLTC-rated range to 330 km, priced at RM62,800 for the Comfort variant and RM66,800 for the Luxury variant. Serving as the primary micro EV under JMC Group New Energy, the Yizhi EV3 was tasked with spearheading the brand's presence in the compact EV market; however, largely hampered by limited brand awareness, its domestic sales performance has remained sluggish over the long term.

Design Language

The Yizhi EV3 has seen multiple exterior styling revisions across its lifecycle. The 2019 model featured a fully closed-off front grille, sculpted dual bionic waistlines, and a rising window beltline that lent it a dynamic, forward-leaning stance. The 2023 Youth Edition incorporated traditional Chinese aesthetic touches, swapping the gloss-black closed panel for a chrome dot-matrix grille, updating the front emblem to a stylised "E" badge, and neatly concealing the charging port inside the front grille. A dual-tone paint scheme provides a floating roof effect, offered in four heritage-inspired exterior shades: Moonlight White, Xiangfei Pink, Ruyi Green, and Tianshui Jade. The 2025 PLUS variant introduces the "Chasing Light Stone" front grille, highlighted by matrix-style chrome trim and the "Lingxi" dynamic LED light bar. In terms of dimensions, the 2019 model measured 3,720 mm in length, 1,640 mm in width, and 1,485 mm in height (1,494 mm with roof rails), before standardising at 3,720/1,640/1,535 mm on later iterations, riding on a 2,390 mm wheelbase throughout. Inside, the Youth Edition did away with the conventional instrument cluster, consolidating driving telemetry into a 10.1-inch floating central touchscreen, available in Sakura Pink and Sea Sky Blue cabin themes; the PLUS version adds integrated sporty eco-friendly seats and a wide 135° tailgate opening, unlocking up to 1,000 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down.

Powertrain and Performance

The Yizhi EV3 is available with several powertrain setups across model years. The 2019 version runs on a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering a maximum power of 35 kW and a peak torque of 150 Nm. The 2023 Youth Edition provides two electric motor outputs: a low-power motor producing 35 kW and 110 Nm, and a higher-output unit making 36 kW and 140 Nm. The 2025 PLUS version steps up to a front-mounted motor pushing 50 kW and 125 Nm. For energy storage, the Youth Edition offers ternary lithium and sodium-ion battery choices (21.4 kWh and 31.15 kWh capacity), delivering 251 km and 320 km of CLTC range respectively; the 320 km variant also gets standard battery heating to safeguard range in colder climates. The PLUS version is equipped with a 30.24 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack with cells supplied by Gotion High-tech, lifting the CLTC range to 330 km. Both AC slow charging and DC fast charging are supported, with a 30% to 80% DC top-up taking roughly 30 minutes. Top speed is rated at 102 km/h. For the 2025 Youth Edition, output was revised to 40 kW and 110 Nm, paired with an enlarged 31.2 kWh traction battery pack.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinned by a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout and a monocoque chassis, the Yizhi EV3 rides on MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a torsion beam non-independent rear setup. Steering assistance is handled by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Braking is taken care of by ventilated front discs, matched with either solid rear discs or rear drums depending on the variant. Early variants were equipped with a conventional manual handbrake, which was upgraded to an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) on the 2025 PLUS version. A near-even 51:49 front-to-rear axle weight distribution, paired with a low centre of gravity, provides solid baseline driving stability. Tyre sizes for the PLUS variant are specified at 165/65 R15 all round. With a tight 5.0-metre turning radius and a fully laden ground clearance of 120 mm, the vehicle is well suited for U-turns and navigating through congested urban streets.

Cabin and Equipment

The Yizhi EV3's interior focuses on connected technology and everyday practicality. The 2023 Youth Edition features a 10.1-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, omitting the traditional meter cluster to display all driving telemetry directly on the central screen. The onboard iFlytek voice assistant responds to the "Hello, Xiao e" prompt, controlling navigation, audio playback, air-conditioning, power windows, lighting, and wipers. The infotainment unit supports 4G telematics and smartphone app remote connectivity, enabling digital key unlocking and keyless start functions. High-spec 2023 trims feature a 360-degree surround-view camera system with a transparent chassis function—a rare addition in this segment. Earlier versions also came standard with a segment-exclusive Head-Up Display (HUD), allowing drivers to monitor vital driving info without looking away from the road. Convenience additions on the 2025 lineup include Bluetooth digital key access, built-in GPS navigation, and one-touch power windows all round. For seating, the Youth Edition uses synthetic leather upholstery, while the PLUS version gets one-piece eco-friendly sports seats. In-car entertainment is handled by a two-speaker audio setup with Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Yizhi EV3 is built on a high-strength cage body with a claw-type load-dispersing structure, reinforced by a standard 1,500 MPa hot-formed high-strength steel front bumper beam and one-piece stamped door panels across the entire range. Active and passive safety kit scales with trim levels: base items standard across all variants include ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and child safety locks. Higher variants add advanced driver assistance features such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Blind Spot Monitoring, and Low-Speed Autonomous Emergency Braking. However, passive safety on entry trims is notably basic: the 251 km Standard trim is fitted with zero airbags, the 251 km Comfort variant only provides a driver's airbag, and dual front airbags are reserved exclusively for the 320 km Luxury trim. For parking assistance, higher trims feature a 360-degree panoramic camera system alongside rear parking sensors and a transparent chassis view to facilitate safe driving and parking in tight spots.

Market Performance and Reception

The Yizhi EV3 has experienced long-term sluggish sales performance in the domestic market. Following the debut of the Youth Edition in October 2023, monthly deliveries managed just 137 units, failing to reverse the downtrend. By August 2024, JMEV's cumulative domestic sales stood under 13,000 units, with the EV3 accounting for just over 2,300 units; despite moderate year-on-year growth, overall volume remained low. Even after the PLUS version arrived in January 2025, monthly sales in April still lingered below the 100-unit mark (based on data available up to May 2026). Feedback from owners highlights its compact agility, hassle-free parking, and the 2025 model's enhanced connectivity as strong points. Conversely, quality-related complaints have been relatively frequent, covering brake vacuum leaks, loose interior rear-view mirrors, infotainment glitches, and battery pack cell voltage imbalance. At product level, the Yizhi EV3 carved out a unique value proposition in the RM50,000-bracket EV space with upmarket kit like the HUD and 360-degree camera; however, low brand recognition, build consistency concerns, and thin margins in the micro EV sector have collectively capped its commercial breakthrough. In contrast, the model has fared comparatively better in export markets, underscoring JMEV's strategic pivot towards overseas expansion.