Chinese automotive giant Geely Auto has officially introduced its third model to the South African market: the E2, a fully electric hatchback. Starting at R339,900, the E2 arrives with significant global momentum, having been China’s top-selling vehicle overall in 2025 under the “Geome Xinguan” nameplate. With over 465,000 units sold in its home country last year alone, the E2’s success is built on a formula of aggressive affordability, high-end tech, and a cabin more spacious than typical budget competitors in its price segment. South Africa is among the first international markets to receive the model, which will be rebranded as the EX2 in Australia and New Zealand.
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Geely is offering two variants locally, the Aspire and the Apex. Both are powered by a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 85kW of peak power and 150Nm of torque, achieving a 0–100km/h time of 11.5 seconds. Both models are equipped with a 39.4kWh battery providing up to 325km of range on the WLTP cycle. Standard features across the range include vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability for powering external devices, all-LED automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and a 70-litre front trunk. The interior is highlighted by a 14.6-inch infotainment display, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, 15-watt wireless charging, and six airbags.
The premium Apex trim, priced at an additional R50,000, adds larger aluminium alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system, 256-colour ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera. It also introduces several advanced safety and convenience features, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
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The E2 is positioned to directly challenge the BYD Dolphin Surf, which was South Africa’s best-selling EV in March 2026. Geely holds a strategic advantage in this duel, as the entry-level E2 offers a larger battery and roughly 100km more range than the base Dolphin Surf for a nearly identical price. This aggressive expansion comes as Geely continues to gain global ground, having outsold BYD in the first two months of 2026. The company’s share price has recently surged as the US-Iran conflict drives up petrol prices, further fuelling consumer demand for electric alternatives. Beyond its namesake brand, the Geely powerhouse continues to manage an extensive portfolio that includes Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr, and the electric bakkie brand Riddara.
