The new Chery Q is scheduled to launch in South Africa in Q3 2026, likely positioned as one of the market’s most affordable EVs. Here’s what we know so far…
- Chery Q set to battle E2 and Dolphin Surf
- Rear-wheel drive with 90 kW and 115 Nm
- Claimed 400 km range (NEDC standard)
The Chery brand is set to step into South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) segment in the 3rd quarter of 2026 with the introduction of the new Chery Q. And from what we can glean, this battery-powered Chinese crossover will be positioned as one of the local market’s most affordable EVs.
Yes, the new Q – which will arrive as the Chery brand’s very first electric car in SA (but not the Chery Group’s maiden EV here, with that title instead going to the iCaur 03T) – will seemingly be pitched against fellow Chinese EVs, the Geely E2 and BYD Dolphin Surf.
With a starting price of R339 900, the E2 currently serves as South Africa’s cheapest EV, marginally undercutting the Dolphin Surf (from R341 900). Whether Chery SA will be able to beat this figure when the new Q touches down (likely late in the 3rd quarter of 2026) remains to be seen, though the Wuhu-based firm’s local division is seemingly pushing hard to do just that.
From what we understand, the new Chery Q will be available in South Africa in 2 trim levels familiar from the Tiggo Cross line-up: Comfort and Elite. We expect the battery-powered crossover to be offered in a choice of at least 4 paint colours: white, silver, beige and purple.
What sort of size is this new model? Well, Chery’s electric crossover – which is badged as the “QQ3” (remember that name?) in its domestic market of China but will be called the “Q” in South Africa – measures 4 195 mm from front to back. That makes it 60 mm longer than Geely’s E2 and a considerable 270 mm lengthier than BYD’s Dolphin Surf.
With production already underway for Thailand, we know right-hand-drive export examples will feature a rear-mounted electric motor generating 90 kW and 115 Nm. Though a smaller battery pack is available in China, we believe the SA market will receive only the larger 42.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate item, which offers a claimed 420 km using the CLTC test method or 400 km on the NEDC standard (and therefore likely sub-350 km on the more stringent WLTP cycle).
Inside the Chery Q, you’ll find a 15.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while we’d speculate the Elite grade will include not only features like wireless smartphone charging and a surround-view camera but also various advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) functions and a full complement of airbags.
While we await official pricing and specification details, it’s worth noting Chery SA looks set to offer its new Q with a 7-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty. For now, the parameters of the expected battery-specific warranty are not clear. More info as we have it…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the Chery Q launching in South Africa, and how will it be positioned in the market?
A: The Chery Q is scheduled to launch locally in the third quarter of 2026, likely arriving late in that period. It will mark the Chery brand’s first fully electric model in South Africa and is being strategically positioned to compete as one of the country’s most affordable electric vehicles (EVs).
Q: Which vehicles will the Chery Q compete against, and how does its size compare?
A: The new crossover will go head-to-head with fellow budget-friendly Chinese EVs, namely the Geely E2 and the BYD Dolphin Surf. In terms of dimensions, the Chery Q measures 4 195 mm in length, making it 60 mm longer than the Geely E2 and 270 mm lengthier than the Dolphin Surf.
Q: What are the technical specifications, driving range and expected warranty for the South African model?
A: Right-hand-drive export models feature a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 90 kW and 115 Nm of torque. South African models are expected to feature a 42.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, which provides a claimed range of 400 km under the NEDC standard. Chery SA looks set to back the vehicle with a 7-year/150 000 km warranty, though battery-specific warranty terms are yet to be finalised.
Related content
Nio’s Firefly hatchback heading to SA?
