Geely E2 launch (the cheapest EV in SA)
Geely E2 Launches in South Africa as the Cheapest EV in 2026 — From R339,900
By Rynard · 1 June 2026
Geely has launched the E2 in South Africa as the country's cheapest electric car, priced from R339,900 for the Aspire and R389,900 for the Apex. It undercuts the previous holder, the BYD Dolphin Surf, by just R2,000 but is meaningfully bigger inside. With 325km of WLTP range, 85kW of power and a free home wallbox charger included, it's the strongest entry-level EV deal SA has seen, though range is still a city-only proposition.
Why this matters in 2026
South Africa just got a new cheapest electric car. The Geely E2 has launched locally with a starting price of R339,900, undercutting the BYD Dolphin Surf (which held the title since September 2025) by R2,000. With petrol 95 sitting around R23 a litre and Chinese new-energy brands flooding the SA market, the price ceiling for EV ownership has dropped sharply this year. The E2 is now the entry point.
What the Geely E2 costs in South Africa
The range is two models. The E2 Aspire starts at R339,900 and the higher-spec E2 Apex at R389,900. Both come with a 4-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/200,000km battery warranty, a 3-year/200,000km service plan and, importantly, a wallbox home charger included in the price. Geely Finance customers also get a R7,500 charge card. For a brand that only re-entered SA in November 2025, that's an aggressive package.
What you actually get for R339,900
The E2 is a compact hatch, 4,135mm long, similar in size to a VW T-Cross. Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor making 85kW and 150Nm, paired with a 39.4kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery. Claimed range is 325km on the WLTP cycle. Charging takes about 6.5 hours on AC, or 25 minutes from 30 to 80 percent on a 70kW DC fast charger. The Aspire gets keyless entry, a rear camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Apex adds vegan leather, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging and adaptive cruise control.
How it compares to the BYD Dolphin Surf
The Dolphin Surf was SA's best-selling EV in March 2026 with 239 units sold, beating petrol rivals like the Honda Fit and Kia Picanto. The E2 directly targets it. Geely's car is R2,000 cheaper, 210mm longer, and has a 150mm longer wheelbase, which means more rear legroom and boot space. The Dolphin Surf still has a stronger brand presence in SA from BYD's faster expansion, but on paper the E2 gives you more car for less money.
The honest weakness: range and resale
Here's what the launch coverage glosses over. A claimed 325km WLTP range often translates to roughly 250-280km in real-world SA driving with aircon and traffic. That's fine for a daily commute, but it's not a road-trip car. Public DC charging infrastructure outside the major metros is still thin, so this is realistically an urban second car for most households. And Geely only returned to SA in late 2025, so long-term resale value is unproven. You're buying ahead of the curve, which is part of the trade for the low price.
Who should buy / Who should skip
Buy the E2 if you do mostly city driving, you can charge at home, and you want the cheapest way into electric ownership in SA right now. The free wallbox makes the maths even sharper. Skip it if you regularly do long-distance trips, you don't have a driveway plug, or unproven resale matters more to you than the upfront saving. Compare it against the BYD range on Dryv and other EVs currently available in Cape Town before you decide.
Browse related cars on Dryv
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest electric car in South Africa in 2026?
The Geely E2 Aspire at R339,900 is now SA's most affordable EV, undercutting the BYD Dolphin Surf (R341,900) by R2,000.
What is the Geely E2's range on a single charge?
Geely claims 325km on the WLTP cycle from a 39.4kWh battery. Real-world range is typically closer to 250-280km depending on aircon use and driving style.
How long does the Geely E2 take to charge?
About 6.5 hours on a home AC charger, or 25 minutes to charge from 30 to 80 percent on a 70kW DC fast charger. A wallbox home charger is included in the purchase price.
Is the Geely E2 better than the BYD Dolphin Surf?
On paper, yes, for the money. The E2 is R2,000 cheaper, 210mm longer, has more rear space, and offers more power. The Dolphin Surf has the stronger brand presence in SA so far.
