Geely E2 (EX2): China’s Best-Seller Set to Shake Up SA’s EV Market
The South African electric vehicle (EV) landscape is about to get a serious jolt. Geely, having recently marked its official return to Mzansi with the E5 SUV, is now ready to launch its heavy hitter: the Geely E2 (internally known as the EX2).
Fresh off its title as China’s best-selling car of 2025—where it even outperformed the Tesla Model Y—this subcompact hatchback is touching down this month with one goal: making electric mobility affordable for the South African mainstream.
Platform
Built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), the E2 is a B-segment hatchback with a compact footprint and a long 2 650 mm wheelbase, which should provide impressive interior space.
The cabin is a tech-lover's playground, featuring:
14.6-inch central touchscreen powered by the Flyme Auto OS.
8.8-inch digital instrument cluster.
36 storage solutions, including a 70-litre front trunk (frunk) and a 10-litre passenger-side drawer.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power camping gear or appliances directly from the car.
Performance & range
South African models are expected to mirror the specifications of right-hand-drive units from Thailand and Indonesia. This means a more potent setup than the entry-level Chinese variants, specifically tuned for a balance of city and highway cruising.
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive
- Power: 85 kW
- Torque: 150 Nm
Performance:
- 0–50 km/h: 4.6 seconds
- 0–100 km/h: 11.5 seconds
- Top speed: 130 km/h
- Battery, range and charging
- Battery: 39.4 kWh LFP
- Range: Up to 325 km (WLTP)
- Consumption: 15.2 kWh/100 km
Charging:
- AC (10–100%): ~6.5 hours
- DC fast charge (30–80%): ~25 minutes
- Max DC charging: 70 kW
Additional features include battery preheating and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which allow the car to power external devices.
Safety and driver assistance
Standard safety features include ABS, ESC, six airbags, traction control, hill-start assist, and tyre pressure monitoring.
The Apex model adds advanced driver assistance systems, such as:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning
- Intelligent high beam control
Model range
E2 Aspire
- 15-inch wheels
- Fabric seats
- Manual air conditioning
- 4-speaker audio
- Rear camera and sensors
- Keyless entry and start
E2 Apex
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Vegan leather seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Wireless charging
- 6-speaker audio
- Ambient lighting
- Full ADAS suite
Under R400k?
Pricing and ownership
The Geely E2 is priced from R339 900 for the Aspire and R389 900 for the Apex.
Pricing includes:
- 4-year / 150 000 km vehicle warranty
- 8-year / 200 000 km battery warranty
- 3-year / 200 000 km service plan
- 5-year unlimited kilometre roadside assistance
Verdict
The Geely E2 is set to take the fight right to the BYD Dolphin Surf in the budget electric hatchback segment!
