Announce

China’s Best-Selling EV of 2025 Is Coming to South Africa in April 2026

Geely's E2 electric hatchback — China's best-selling car of 2025 — launches in South Africa in April 2026. Expected price under R400,000, 336km WLTP range, and rear-wheel drive.

April 10, 2026

Geely is launching the E2 electric hatchback in South Africa in April 2026, positioning it as a direct rival to the BYD Dolphin Surf at a time when surging fuel prices are driving a record 45% spike in EV searches.

Known internationally as the EX2 (or Galaxy Geome Xingyuan in China), the five-door hatchback was China’s number-one selling car in 2025, with 465,775 units sold — outselling the Tesla Model Y by roughly 40,000 units.

What is the Geely E2 price in South Africa?

Geely has not officially confirmed South African pricing. However, based on the Australian market — where the car is expected between AU$25,000–AU$35,000 (R291,000–R409,000) — and Geely’s existing pricing patterns locally, the E2 is expected to come in under R400,000. That would make it one of the most affordable EVs available in the country.

Geely E2 specs: range, charging and features

South Africa is expected to receive the right-hand-drive variant built in Thailand or Indonesia, which features:

Motor: 85kW / 150Nm rear-mounted (rear-wheel drive)
Battery: 39.4kWh–40.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
Range: Up to 336km WLTP
Fast charging (DC): Up to 70kW — 30% to 80% in 25 minutes
Standard features: 14.6-inch infotainment screen, 8.8-inch digital cluster, V2L capability, 70L front trunk, perforated leatherette seats, all-LED auto headlights, rearview camera

Higher trim levels are expected to add a 540-degree panoramic camera, 12-function ADAS, six airbags, electric seat adjustment and 256-colour ambient lighting.

Rear-wheel drive at a budget price point

A key differentiator for the E2 is its rear-axle motor placement — unusual at this price — which should deliver a more engaging driving experience than front-wheel-drive competitors.

How does it compare to the BYD Dolphin Surf?

The BYD Dolphin Surf starts at R341,900 in South Africa and was BYD’s top seller in March 2026 (239 of 589 units). The E2 is expected to be priced slightly higher but offers more features and a larger battery, placing it closer to BYD’s Dolphin Dynamic trim in terms of value.

Geely E2 South Africa launch timeline

Dealership sales staff were briefed on 8 April 2026. A public launch announcement is expected shortly. The E2 will be sold under the simplified “E2” nameplate locally — consistent with how Geely branded the EX5 as the E5 in South Africa.

Geely aims to sell 13,000 vehicles in South Africa in 2026 and is expanding its dealership network to 90 branches. The E2, as its most volume-focused model, will be central to hitting that target.

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