South Africa, meet your new cheapest electric vehicle. Yes, the Geely E2 hatch has arrived in Mzansi, grabbing the title from the BYD Dolphin Surf. Here’s what it costs…
- Geely launches E2 as SA’s cheapest EV
- Grabs title from the BYD Dolphin Surf
- E2 range includes 2 variants at launch
The new Geely E2 – which is known as the EX2 in some countries (and the Xingyuan in China, where it was that nation’s best-selling vehicle overall in 2025) – has officially arrived in South Africa, launching as the local market’s most affordable fully electric vehicle (EV).
Yes, this new battery-powered hatchback from the Zhejiang-based automaker kicks off at R339 900, seeing it undercut the BYD Dolphin Surf by just R2 000. As a reminder, the latter model had held the title of SA’s cheapest EV since its launch in September 2025.
Measuring 4 135 mm from front to back (precisely the same as a Volkswagen T-Cross, to give you a practical idea of its size) and featuring a wheelbase of 2 650 mm, the E2 hatchback – which arrives as the returning Geely brand’s 2nd offering behind the E5 – is a significant 210 mm longer than the Dolphin Surf, with an extra 150 mm between its axles, too.
Equipped with an electric motor driving the rear wheels, the 5-door E2 features peak outputs of 85 kW and 150 Nm. The 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 11.5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 130 kph. Meanwhile, the 39.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack facilitates a claimed WLTP range of 325 km.
The Chinese automaker says charging the battery from 10 to 100% via an AC charger will take approximately 6.5 hours, while using a DC fast charger (at speeds of up to 70 kW) to move the battery’s capacity from 30 to 80% will take around 25 minutes. The E2 furthermore features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car to power external devices.
The E2 has a 375-litre luggage compartment (expandable to 1 320 litres) along with a 70-litre “frunk”. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a 14.6-inch touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard safety features for the local market include ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, 6 airbags and tyre-pressure monitoring.
In Mzansi, the new E2 is available in the Aspire and Apex grades, with the former priced at R339 900 and the latter at R389 900. The base Aspire specification includes 15-inch steel wheels, fabric upholstery, manual air conditioning, a 4-speaker sound system, a reverse-view camera, rear parking sensors and keyless entry & start.
For its R50 000 premium, the Apex grade adds items like 16-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree panoramic camera, a 6-speaker audio system, ambient cabin lighting and what Geely describes a “full” suite of advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features. The flagship derivative also scores 2-tone paint, rear privacy glass and chrome-effect exterior detailing.
What does the new Geely E2 cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Geely E2 Aspire | R339 900 |
| Geely E2 Apex | R389 900 |
The prices above include a 4-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/200 000 km battery warranty, a 3-year/200 000 km service plan and a 5-year/unlimited km roadside-assistance package. All units purchased through Geely Finance furthermore come with a home wallbox charger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the New Geely E2
Q: How does the Geely E2 compare to the BYD Dolphin Surf in terms of value?
A: The Geely E2 has officially taken the title of South Africa’s most affordable electric vehicle with a starting price of R339 900, undercutting the BYD Dolphin Surf by R2 000. Despite the lower price, the E2 is physically larger, measuring 210 mm longer than the Dolphin Surf and offering a more spacious 2 650 mm wheelbase.
Q: What are the charging capabilities and driving range of the E2?
A: Equipped with a 39.4 kWh battery, the E2 offers a claimed WLTP range of 325 km. When it comes to “refuelling”, a DC fast charger can take the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes. It also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, allowing you to use the car’s battery to power external appliances during load-shedding or camping trips.
Q: What luxury and safety features are included in the flagship Apex model?
A: The range-topping Apex grade (R389 900) adds a layer of sophistication, including 16-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree panoramic camera. It also introduces a “full” suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and interior comforts like ambient lighting and power-adjustable faux-leather seats.
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