The Geely EX2 is not exactly a household name in Britain, but in China it’s already achieved something most manufacturers can only dream of. The compact electric hatchback was the country’s best-selling car last year, with monthly sales of around 50,000 units — roughly matching what the UK’s top-selling models manage across an entire year.
That sort of volume makes the EX2 more than just another small EV. It suggests Geely may have found a formula that resonates with mainstream buyers, at least in China, and the brand is now preparing to test that theory in the UK.
In its home market, the car is sold as the Geome Xingyuan and has drawn attention for its remarkably low entry price, equivalent to roughly £7,000. Sadly, that figure won’t carry over to Europe, but expectations place the EX2 somewhere in the £16,000 to £20,000 range, positioning it squarely among the growing class of more affordable electric cars.
That would see it lining up against increasingly competitive rivals. The BYD Dolphin Surf and Citroen e-C3 are budget-conscious EVs that are pushing electric motoring closer to traditional supermini territory, while models such as the Renault 5 occupy a slightly higher design-led price band. The EX2 appears aimed at buyers who want something practical, electric and sensibly priced, rather than overtly premium.
At just over 4.1 metres long, the EX2 sits firmly in the compact hatchback category alongside cars like the Renault 5 or Vauxhall Corsa. Chinese buyers can pick between 30kWh and 40kWh battery packs, though UK models are expected to favour the larger pack. Under WLTP testing, range is likely to fall somewhere around the 150 to 200-mile mark, depending on specification and final calibration.
While those numbers are broadly typical for the segment, practicality is where the Geely EX2 begins to look more interesting. Average Joes had a look at the car in China and found a surprisingly spacious interior for such a small vehicle, aided by a completely flat floor. Rear passenger space is notably generous, while the 375-litre boot capacity edges closer to larger family hatchbacks than traditional city cars. There’s even a small front storage compartment — or frunk — intended for charging cables and smaller items.
The cabin design also appears more ambitious than the EX2’s budget positioning might suggest. Large digital displays, ambient lighting and soft-touch trim elements give it a distinctly modern feel, at least visually.
Final UK specifications, pricing and equipment details are yet to be confirmed, but Geely’s smallest EV may become one of the more intriguing new arrivals in Britain’s rapidly expanding electric car market when it arrives here in the late summer. Then we’ll find out if it deserves to be a big seller here, too.
He is the founder of Huff Media, publisher of Professional Pickup, Professional Van, Average Janes, Average Joes, and CALIBRE. His work focuses primarily on light commercial vehicles, pickups, and real-world vehicle use, with much of his time spent on manufacturer launches, industry events, and long-term vehicle testing.