Jetour Ice Cream EV Review: A Practical Answer to Rising Fuel Costs?

As fuel prices continue to rise unpredictably, I’ve found myself seriously reconsidering what a “practical” car really means. In a country like the Philippines, where traffic is heavy and daily commutes are often short but frequent, the idea of switching to an electric vehicle (EV) becomes more appealing than ever. That’s exactly where the Jetour Ice Cream EV enters the conversation—a small, affordable, and city-focused electric car that challenges the traditional notion of mobility.

After diving deep into its features, performance, and real-world usability, I can say that the Jetour Ice Cream EV is not just a quirky novelty—it’s a strong statement about where transportation is headed.

Why the Jetour Ice Cream EV is Relevant Today

Let me start with the bigger picture: fuel prices. Gasoline and diesel costs have been fluctuating and generally trending upward, making daily driving more expensive for the average Filipino. With internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, you’re constantly spending on fuel, maintenance, and oil changes.

With the Jetour Ice Cream EV, that entire equation changes.

Since it runs purely on electricity, I immediately see the appeal—no fuel stops, no oil changes, and significantly lower running costs. In fact, many EV owners report spending far less per kilometer compared to traditional cars, especially if charging is done at home or even supplemented by solar energy.

This makes the Ice Cream EV highly relevant today. It represents a shift from fuel dependency to energy efficiency—something that becomes even more valuable as fuel prices rise.

First Impressions: Cute but Purposeful

I’ll be honest—the first thing that caught my attention was the design. The Jetour Ice Cream EV looks playful, almost toy-like, with its compact and boxy shape. But that “cute” aesthetic actually hides a very practical purpose.

Its size—just under 3 meters in length—makes it perfect for tight streets, narrow alleys, and crowded parking areas. For someone like me who often drives in congested city environments, that’s a huge advantage.

It’s not trying to be a luxury car or a highway cruiser. It knows exactly what it is: a city car built for convenience.

Performance and Driving Experience

Now let’s talk about performance. The Ice Cream EV is powered by a small electric motor producing around 27 horsepower and 85 Nm of torque, paired with a single-speed automatic transmission.

On paper, that doesn’t sound impressive—but in real-world city driving, it actually works.

Driving it around urban areas feels light and effortless. The steering is easy, the turning radius is tight, and maneuvering through traffic is surprisingly stress-free. Its top speed of around 100 km/h is more than enough for city roads.

However, I wouldn’t take this car on highways or long-distance trips. It’s simply not built for that. It shines in short commutes, errands, and daily drives within the city.

Battery, Range, and Charging

One of the most important aspects of any EV is range—and this is where the Ice Cream EV performs reasonably well.

It comes with a 13.9 kWh battery that delivers up to 170 kilometers of range on a full charge.

From my perspective, that’s more than enough for daily use. Most people in Metro Manila or nearby cities don’t even drive that far in a day. Charging takes around 8 hours using AC charging, making overnight charging very practical.

In simple terms: I can plug it in at night and wake up to a fully charged car—no need to visit a gas station at all.

Interior and Features

Inside, the Jetour Ice Cream EV keeps things simple. The cabin is functional rather than luxurious, which I actually appreciate given its price point.

It includes:

• Air conditioning
• USB ports
• Fabric seats
• Basic instrument cluster
• Rear camera and parking sensors

There’s no advanced infotainment system like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which might disappoint some users. But for me, it’s not a dealbreaker—I can just use my phone for navigation and entertainment.

The space is decent for a 4-seater, although I would say it’s best for small groups or short trips. Cargo space is limited, which is expected for a car this size.

Safety and Practicality

Despite being a budget EV, the Ice Cream EV comes with essential safety features like:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Rear parking sensors
• Driver airbag

While it’s not packed with advanced driver-assistance systems, it provides enough safety for daily city driving.

Price and Value for Money

Here’s where the Jetour Ice Cream EV really stands out.

At around ₱699,000, it’s one of the most affordable electric vehicles in the Philippines.

When I compare that to the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, the value becomes very clear. Yes, the upfront cost may seem high compared to some entry-level gasoline cars—but over time, the savings can offset that difference.

The Downsides

Of course, no car is perfect.

Here are the limitations I noticed:

• Not suitable for highways or long-distance travel
• Limited cargo space
• Basic interior and lack of advanced tech
• Modest power output

These are important to consider, especially if you’re looking for an all-around vehicle.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

After reviewing everything, I see the Jetour Ice Cream EV as a smart second car or dedicated city vehicle rather than a primary all-purpose car.

For me, its biggest strength is how well it fits modern urban life—especially in a time when fuel prices are high and sustainability is becoming more important.

It’s not trying to compete with SUVs or premium EVs. Instead, it offers something different: affordable, efficient, and practical mobility.

If your daily routine involves short drives, city errands, and heavy traffic, then yes—I genuinely think the Jetour Ice Cream EV is worth considering.

In a world where gas prices keep climbing, this tiny EV might just be one of the smartest ways to move forward.

Cheerio!