Geely undercuts BYD with new cheapest electric car in SA

kolaval said:
Hmmm with mostly remote work, this might be worthwhile, how much would the solar setup be to be able to slow charge it during the day?
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Tbh, don't think it matters too much as even charging at CoCT power rate is still cheaper than petrol/diesel.
Adding solar panels are generally worth it within 5 years for most if you're able to add it for a vast majority of people, with EV it's definitely worth.

There are threads about the costs, e.g. https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/solar-related-costs-and-savings.1326480/page-19
 
Johnatan56 said:
Tbh, don't think it matters too much as even charging at CoCT power rate is still cheaper than petrol/diesel.
Adding solar panels are generally worth it within 5 years for most if you're able to add it for a vast majority of people, with EV it's definitely worth.

There are threads about the costs, e.g. https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/solar-related-costs-and-savings.1326480/page-19
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Not at the rate line fees are increasing. If you buy cheapest components you can start with a 5kW system for R40k installed R30k if you go with builders warehouse special.

R10k for 5kW inverter and 5kWh battery:
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Looks like a sweet deal but I wonder how much longer this show will go on for (and what happens to the cars once these companies collapse) and what the fallout will be in the larger car market.

As someone mentioned can you imagine how much Geely is getting for that vehicle after production, 40% tax, transport, dealer fees etc. Must be next to nothing.

BYD has been the darling of the last couple years but even with their CCP support they are cooking the books big time. Fake sales (Zero KM second hand) and they are in 10x more debt than they report as they have 60 USD Billion in unpaid suppliers.

Geely seems to be the new darling with CCP support and the two companies are eating each other alive in an unsustainable way.
 
wingnut771 said:
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Service and wires charge is fixed, you can ignore this charge in comparison as you're paying it either way if connected to the city grid. I picked Cape Town as they have the most expensive per kWh charge (though might have changed, doubt it).

Home User tariff​

The Home User tariff applies to you if you do not qualify for the Lifeline or Domestic tariff.

The monthly costs apply as follows:

  • 0 – 600 kWh: 293.62 c/kWh (excl. VAT) or 337.66 c/kWh (incl. VAT)
  • >600 kWh: 384.23 c/kWh (excl. VAT) or 441.86 c/kWh (incl. VAT)
  • Monthly Home User service and wires charge of R339.89 (excl. VAT) or R390.87 (incl. VAT)
No free basic electricity allocation applies for the Home User tariff.

The following criteria apply to this tariff:

  • Your municipal property valuation is R1 000 000 and above
  • A credit meter is installed

    www.capetown.gov.za

    City of Cape Town Link

    Sharing a City of Cape Town Page...
    www.capetown.gov.za www.capetown.gov.za
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You'll probably be charging at the max rate, since I doubt anyone on this tariff is using <600kWh.

So R4.42/kWh, it's rated at 15.2kWh/ 100km, but let's round to 16, about R70 / 100km.
Let's take any other car at 5.5l/100km with inland 93 at R23.25, that's about R126 / 100km.

You're going to argue that they will increase the electricity price by 80% any time soon? I'm highly doubtful of that. This is besides petrol set to become even more expensive, and you're getting CO2 emissions taxes on it as well over the next few years.

You can also offset this with solar for most South Africans that are able to afford a car, but the point is that even without, it's still cheaper without considering service costs, etc. where an electric is just inherently cheaper.
 
wingnut771 said:
Porsche Taycan has 2 gears.
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No, actually it has 2 separate gearboxes. 1 for performance and 1 for economy/cruising.
Through electronic wizardry the can act like a "2 speed" gearbox, but it technically isn't.

Funny enough, I foresee this as one of the long term options for EV's to make them better for long distance driving. At the moment cost and complexity is the big stumbling block.
 
5 most affordable EVs in South Africa (2026)

Thanks to an influx of Chinese brands, South Africa’s new-vehicle market features several more affordable EVs than in years gone by. Here are the 5 cheapest examples…

Back in 2023, the most affordable fully electric vehicle (EV) on South Africa’s new-car market was priced at nearly R800 000. Today, the cheapest battery-powered model available in Mzansi costs well under half that figure.

Mirroring a phenomenon we’ve already seen in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) space, Chinese brands have started something of a price war in the local EV market, which means SA buyers now have several far more affordable options than in years gone by.

Note we’ve not been able to include the Dayun S5 here as its distributor, Enviro Automotive, doesn’t currently list a retail price on its website.

Right, let’s take a closer look at the 5 cheapest EVs (prices correct in April 2026)…

1. Geely E2 Aspire – from R339 900

2. BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort – from R341 900

3. Dongfeng Box E1 330 – from R459 000

4. Dongfeng 06 E1 – from R499 000

5. BYD Dolphin Dynamic Standard Range – from R539 900


Q: How has the entry-level price for electric vehicles changed in South Africa since 2023?

A: The shift has been dramatic. In 2023, the cheapest EV in Mzansi cost nearly R800 000. As of April 2026, thanks to a “price war” led by Chinese manufacturers, the barrier to entry has dropped by more than half, with the Geely E2 Aspire now leading the market at just R339 900.

Q: What are the differences between the two most affordable models, the Geely E2 and the BYD Dolphin Surf?

A: While only R2 000 separates them in price, they offer different setups. The Geely E2 (R339 900) is a larger hatchback (4 135 mm) with a rear-wheel-drive configuration producing 85 kW. The BYD Dolphin Surf (R341 900) is more compact (3 925 mm) and uses a front-wheel-drive motor producing 55 kW. The Geely also offers a slightly higher claimed range of 325 km compared to the BYD’s 300 km.
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My wife is in the market for a new car. I suggested she go and check out the E2 (added a link for her). The answer came back, "I don't like the look of it". So i guess that's a no then.
 
FiestaST said:
My cousin picked up her brand spanking new E2 Apex (R390k) yesterday. First impressions is strong, some excellent space utilization (back seat in particular), upmarket interior for a wallet friendly car.

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My other cousin picked up his new E5 EM-i (PHEV).

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Meant to ask, how was your/their experience with the installation of the home charger? Had one installed for my daughter's Surf, but the guy was a twat. Granted my house is fully off grid, so could have spooked him. Had my own sparkie come and double check everything.
 
WollieVerstege said:
Meant to ask, how was your/their experience with the installation of the home charger? Had one installed for my daughter's Surf, but the guy was a twat. Granted my house is fully off grid, so could have spooked him. Had my own sparkie come and double check everything.
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When I asked both they said wallbox & installation went off without a hiccup.

Ironically the E5 owner also got a R5k charge card as well, the E2 owner got a R7.5k charge card :ROFL: 😁
 
ghaye said:
My wife is in the market for a new car. I suggested she go and check out the E2 (added a link for her). The answer came back, "I don't like the look of it". So i guess that's a no then.
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My wife said the same, but at a local agricultural show yesterday, the more she looked at it the more she said "it's growing on me". I think the E2 is a game changer and will sell like crazy - perfect timing with the way the fuel price is going.

My wife doesn't do enough mileage to justify us swapping her Corolla Cross for an E2, but my sister just bought an E2 Apex for her 130km daily commute which will bring her monthly fuel bill of R6000 down to under R2000 electricity until they add solar panels to their existing home inverter and battery setup.
 
FlashSA said:
My wife said the same, but at a local agricultural show yesterday, the more she looked at it the more she said "it's growing on me". I think the E2 is a game changer and will sell like crazy - perfect timing with the way the fuel price is going.

My wife doesn't do enough mileage to justify us swapping her Corolla Cross for an E2, but my sister just bought an E2 Apex for her 130km daily commute which will bring her monthly fuel bill of R6000 down to under R2000 electricity until they add solar panels to their existing home inverter and battery setup.
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AI says that is 22.8kWh per day. 2 x 16kWh batteries for R60k can soak up the solar during the day. Batteries will be paid off in 30 months.
 
I'm just shocked this cabbie is available in SA before Australia, UK & Europe getting it!

Aus getting it soon & UK and Euro zone later this year.
 
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