Chinese airline operator JuneYao Airlines has officially introduced its first electric sedan, the JY Air, to the domestic market, setting a starting price of 147,800 yuan (approximately $20,500). Interestingly, this model had already debuted in Thailand last year, where it carried a slightly higher starting price of 25,200 USD. The compact sedan offers a claimed range of up to 530 kilometers on a single charge, a body length of 4,550 mm, and a maximum power output of 150 kW, equivalent to 201 horsepower.
JuneYao Airlines, established in 2005, ranks among China’s largest domestic airlines. In 2023, the company expanded into the automotive sector by acquiring the financially distressed startup Yudo. Following this acquisition, JuneYao created JuneYao Automobile, a dedicated car division tasked with the design, development, and production of electric vehicles for both domestic and international markets. The JY Air became the brand’s inaugural model and initially launched in Thailand in December 2024. The car made its Chinese debut just six months later, retaining nearly all features from the Thai version except for the steering wheel position, which was adjusted to the left-hand drive standard used in China.
Stylistically, the JY Air is a sleek and compact sedan. Its front fascia features a closed design with a trapezoidal air intake, hidden door handles, distinctive LED headlights, and a single continuous taillight strip at the rear. The sedan measures 4,550 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height, sitting on a 2,800 mm wheelbase. The design emphasizes aerodynamics, boasting a low drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd.
The cabin of the JY Air is inspired by airline business-class interiors, offering a modern, tech-forward experience. It is equipped with a 15.6-inch touchscreen running Crystal OS and powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 chip. The sedan accommodates five passengers and includes a panoramic sunroof covering approximately 2 square meters, while optimizing space with a utilization rate of 78%. The interior features a two-spoke steering wheel, gear selector located behind it, wireless charging pad in the center console, and sporty seats with integrated headrests.
The entry-level model uses a UAES-made TZ180XS0951 synchronous permanent magnet electric motor on the rear axle, producing 197 hp and 250 Nm of torque, coupled with a 51.2 kWh battery from Rept Battero. This variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and offers a CLTC range of 435 km, with support for 70 kW DC fast charging. The top-trim version maintains the same motor but increases power slightly to 201 hp and pairs it with a larger 64.1 kWh LFP battery, extending the CLTC range to 530 km and enabling 90 kW DC charging.
Despite its features, the JY Air faces challenges in China due to its pricing. With a range of $20,500 to $22,150, it is positioned above entry-level models like the Xpeng Mona M03, Dongfeng Nissan N7, and FAW Volkswagen ID.3, which start at $16,600–$17,985. Instead, the JY Air competes with premium electric sedans such as the BYD Seal and Geely Galaxy E8, making the domestic market highly competitive. As a result, JuneYao is actively seeking overseas opportunities, including discussions with Kazakhstan for potential local assembly, indicating that international markets may offer the company its best chance for growth and sustainability.