ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker

Electric vehicles (EV) are clearly growing as a segment here in the Philippines. Sure, many buyers are still apprehensive about all-electric mobility, but several brands are trying to lure in more adopters by introducing very affordable EV nameplates. 

One example is Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) Philippines with the EV3 - a small all-electric hatchback that retails at a mere P788,000. 

But considering its very accessible price, does the EV3 have any compromises? Also, how does it drive in the city? Let’s find out through this Zigwheels Philippines road test review. 

Exterior

Similar to many other entry-level city car class EV models in the market, the EV3 assumes a cutesy appearance. At the same time, however, it doesn’t have the sharp eye-catching angles of the BYD Seagull or the sport utility vehicle (SUV)-like appeal of the VinFast VF 3; instead, it dons the miniaturized proportions of the typical hatchback. 

In short, the EV3 doesn’t try to revolutionize car design. Instead, it has opted for a straightforward look that will make it more “neutral” and more appealing to more would-be buyers. 

Sounds good so far, but the JMC EV3’s exterior styling does have some qualities that will become divisive for buyers. To be specific, its Dynamic Green and Chery Blossom Pink are very loud colors that will draw a lot of attention to the car. Thankfully, for those who want quieter colors, the EV3 may also come in Sky Blue or Aurora White. 

Size-wise, the JMC nameplate is certifiably microscopic, even when compared to the already small-bodied internal combustion hatchbacks currently sold in the market. The aforementioned, of course, does wonders for its drivability in the city, which we’ll talk about later. 

For reference, the model is 3,720 millimeters (mm) long, 1,640 mm wide, and 1,535 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,390 mm and a ground clearance of 120 mm. With those measurements, the JMC EV3 is fairly smaller even than the Suzuki Swift and the Toyota Wigo. 

But despite its minuscule size, the JMC EV3’s exterior does come with a lot of equipment that is usually found on more expensive rides. For starters, it has full LED lighting, which includes a toggleable pattern on its grille. It also rides on 15-inch alloy wheels. Other cars in the same price range use steelies and halogen lights. 

Interior

Inside the JMC EV3 is a well-arranged cabin with just enough room for the author’s wide five-foot, 11-inch frame. And as tested, we found no issues even with a six-foot dude sitting beside the author on the passenger side. 

The rear, however, leaves much to be desired. For larger individuals, one can expect a minimal amount of knee room. Also, there’s the fact that JMC did say that the car can only fit up to four at most. One can imagine, however, that the car will have no trouble for smaller teens and children. 

Concerning cabin finishes and materials, the cabin gets a tri-tone color scheme consisting of turquoise accents, as well as black and light grey. 

Objectively speaking, the turquoise decorative bits are acceptable, but it's likely that the light grey parts, particularly on the leather seats and numerous touchpoints, will become dirty over time. 

Other than the aforementioned, the steering wheel feels good to the touch, and the in-car controls, such as its knob-type gear selector, electronic parking brake, and steering-wheel-mounted buttons, are easy to use. 

The same goes for the software installed on its 10.1-inch floating infotainment system. It was quick to respond to inputs, and navigating through its various screens was quick and easy, even for a first-time user. Take note, however, that the EV3 lacks a dedicated digital gauge cluster. Instead, relevant vehicle information, such as range and battery levels, is also displayed on the central headunit. 

Sounds weight, but do be aware that the gauge-less minimalist cabin design is also applied to popular, albeit larger EV models such as the Tesla Model Y and Model 3. 

Moreover, the said headunit comes with CarbitLink, which works just fine, but many buyers nowadays will prefer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The JMC-made ride also has a two-piece speaker set, which offers decent sound quality. 

Other noteworthy amenities available inside the JMC EV3 include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Automatic climate controls
• USB (Type A) ports
• 12-volt accessory outlet
• Keyless entry system
• Bottle/cup holders

Safety 

When it comes to safety, the JMC EV3 comes with what you’d expect from a modern vehicle sold within the same price point. It has the basics covered with its dual front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, and hill-start assist. 

Plus, the model comes fitted with tire pressure monitoring and an anti-theft system. 

Compared to more expensive rides, the EV3 sounds Spartan when it comes to safety gear. It does, however, get just about the same amount, at least when matched up with other small EV nameplates within the same price bracket. 

Powertrain, driving

For its propulsion system, the JMC EV3 uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor capable of producing up to 67 horsepower (hp) and 125 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

That doesn’t sound much, but remember that this model has an instantaneous torque delivery due to its very nature as an EV. 

The aforementioned engine is paired with a 31.2-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, which chalks up to 330 kilometers (km) of range, according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). The aforementioned is a smidge more compared to the BYD Seagull, which has 300 km (CLTC) of range. 

The JMC EV3 also comes with regenerative braking and a drive mode selector (economy, normal, sport) to optimize its power usage. It also comes with slow alternating current (AC) charging and fast direct current (DC) charging. Per JMC, its DC charging can increase its state of charge from 30-80 percent in just 30 minutes. 

As we mentioned earlier, the JMC EV3's small size makes it ideal for in-city driving. Parking is a breeze, and it also features a 360-degree view monitor for added peace of mind. Dealing with tight alleyways is likewise no issue for this small car. 

Take note, however, that the EV3’s front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension systems are on the stiffer side. The aforementioned means minimal body roll when taking on corners at speed, or less diving when braking hard. Otherwise, a stiff suspension may also return a harsher ride. 

Noise from the road and other vehicles also tends to penetrate the cabin of the EV3, but that’s unsurprising since it doesn’t get much in the way of sound deadening. When dealing with speed humps and potholes, one can even hear the suspension system working. 

JMC EV3: specifications

Model	JMC EV3
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	3,720x1,640x1,535
Wheelbase (mm)	2,390
Ground clearance (mm)	120
Wheel size	15-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Fabric
Amenities	Type A USB ports Automatic climate controls Two-piece speaker set Power-adjust side mirrors Manual adjust front seats Bottle/cup holders 12-volt accessory outlet Drive mode selector Electronic parking brake Keyless entry system
Infotainment system	10.1-inch infotainment with CarbitLink
Seating capacity	Four
Powertrain
Electric motor	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Range	330 km (CLTC)
Horsepower	67
Torque	125
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags Anti-lock braking ISOFIX Traction control Electronic brake-force distribution Hill-start assist Tire pressure monitoring Anti-theft system
Price	P788,000

Final thoughts

So, is the JMC EV3 a good buy? Well, yes, especially for budget-conscious buyers wanting a convenient in-city roundabout that is exempt from coding and is emissions-free. The model also boasts decent handling capabilities and quick acceleration, thanks to its instantaneous torque. Downtimes for the ride are likewise reduced due to its fast DC charging capability.

As we’ve pointed out above, however, the car comes with a lot of caveats. By no means is the EV3 a people carrier. Instead, it is more suited to the role of personal transport. Also, it is a bit lacking in niceties, particularly sound deadening and smartphone connectivity. 

Nevertheless, the model presents buyers with good value and has more than enough chops to compete against its rivals. Like we always say, however, give the vehicle a thorough  test drive first before jumping the gun. 

Also read:

JMC PH offering up to P260k discount for Grand Avenue

Astara PH brings out NEV offerings under JMEV

First look: JMC Grand Avenue

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