Geely’s best-selling electric hatchback arrives in the UK, targeting budget EV buyers with strong value, space, and modern tech.
China’s biggest-selling car last year is heading to Britain. Geely is preparing to launch the all-electric EX2 hatchback in the UK this summer, marking another major step in the brand’s rapid European expansion. The move follows the model’s extraordinary success in China, where more than half a million units were sold in a single year.
Known domestically as the Geome Xingyuan, the Geely EX2 has become a standout in China’s mass-market EV boom thanks to aggressive pricing and practical design. While Chinese prices start at the equivalent of just over £7,000, UK buyers should expect a starting price closer to £20,000, positioning the EX2 firmly in the affordable electric hatchback segment.
That pricing puts the EX2 head-to-head with popular small EVs such as the Citroën e-C3 and the Renault 5, both of which have benefited from recent EV incentives, as well as upcoming rivals like the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Kia EV2.
Interior punches above its price point
Despite its budget-friendly positioning, the Geely EX2 does not feel stripped-back inside. During a factory visit in Linhai, China, the cabin stood out for its modern design and solid perceived quality, especially for a small electric car.
While hard plastics are used throughout, this is typical of the segment. The illuminated skyline-style trim on the dashboard and doors adds visual interest, and Geely has retained physical buttons on the steering wheel and centre console, a feature many drivers still prefer over fully touch-based controls.
A large 14.6-inch central touchscreen is paired with an 8.8-inch digital driver display. Both screens appear bright and responsive, with fast-loading menus. The infotainment software is expected to be localised for the UK market ahead of launch.
Space and practicality impress
One area where the Geely EX2 could outshine established rivals is interior space. At just over 4.1 metres long, it is slightly larger than a Renault 5, and that extra length translates into noticeably better rear-seat room. A flat floor further improves passenger comfort in the back.
Boot space is also competitive. The EX2 offers a 375-litre rear boot, around 50 litres more than the Renault 5, plus an additional 75 litres of storage under the bonnet. Even larger rivals such as the BYD Dolphin cannot match that rear luggage capacity.
Expected range and performance
In China, the EX2 is offered with two battery options. A 30kWh battery paired with a 78bhp rear-mounted motor delivers a claimed range of up to 193 miles, while a larger 40kWh battery and 114bhp motor increase the figure to 255 miles.
These numbers are based on China’s CLTC test cycle, which is more generous than Europe’s WLTP standard. For the UK, real-world ranges are expected to fall between roughly 150 and 200 miles unless Geely opts to fit larger batteries to remain competitive with rivals such as the Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin, which both offer over 250 miles of WLTP range.
Part of a wider UK rollout
The EX2 is just one piece of Geely’s broader UK strategy. The company has confirmed plans to introduce at least seven models by 2028. The electric EX5 SUV has already debuted, with the Starray plug-in hybrid SUV set to follow.
Geely is also preparing a large seven-seat SUV aimed at family buyers and a rugged 4×4 positioned as a rival to the Land Rover Defender. Together, these launches signal Geely’s ambition to become a serious player in the UK market rather than a niche EV brand.
A potential disruptor in the small EV market
If Geely can combine competitive pricing with strong equipment levels and acceptable real-world range, the EX2 could become a disruptive force in Britain’s fast-growing small electric car segment. Its success in China suggests broad appeal, and UK buyers looking for affordable, practical EVs will be watching closely when it arrives later this year.
