Geely EX2 Electric Car Launch in UK Faces Price Hurdle Despite China Success
China's best-selling electric vehicle arrives in Britain with a significantly higher price tag, raising questions about its market appeal.
Geely's electric EX2, which has achieved the status of China's best-selling new car in 2025, is set to launch in the United Kingdom in the coming weeks. However, the vehicle's price in the UK is expected to be more than triple its cost in its home market, a factor that could significantly impact its reception by British consumers.
In China, the EX2, known locally as the Galaxy Xingyuan, retails for approximately £7,000. This affordability is attributed to a vertically integrated supply chain with all components manufactured in China, government subsidies, and intense price competition within the Chinese automotive market. Last year, Geely sold 465,775 units of the EX2 in China, a volume nearly a quarter of all car registrations in the UK and more than eight times that of the UK's best-selling model, the Ford Puma.
In contrast, the EX2 will start at £20,990 in the UK. This price point is £9,000 more than the Dacia Spring, currently the cheapest electric car available in Britain, and is likely to present a significant challenge to the EX2's showroom appeal. Geely Auto UK General Manager Michael Yang stated that the EX2's arrival is part of the company's mission to make advanced electric mobility more accessible to UK customers.
The EX2 is described as a modern, compact, all-electric vehicle and is expected to be one of the roomiest electric superminis on the market, offering more space than competitors like the VW ID. Polo or Renault 5 E-Tech. The entry-level Pro model features a 35kWh battery and an 81bhp electric motor, with a claimed range of 155 miles on a single charge, though real-world figures may be lower. For comparison, the Renault 5 starts at £21,495 with a 40kWh battery and a 190-mile range.
Higher trim levels, the Max and Ultra, offer a larger 47kWh battery and a 114bhp motor, providing a claimed range of 214 miles. These models are priced at £23,490 and £25,490 respectively. These figures fall short of the range-topping Renault 5, which, for £23,945, boasts a 52kWh battery and a 252-mile range. All EX2 variants support DC rapid charging up to 80kW, allowing a 30% to 80% charge in approximately 25 minutes.
Despite potential concerns regarding performance and range in certain configurations, the EX2 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features as standard. Even the base model includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.8-inch digital driver display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry and start, and LED headlights. Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver monitoring system.
Geely has been present in the UK market since last year, offering the electric EX5 and the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV. The EX2 expands its offering to three models across two segments. The range-topping Ultra trim adds two-tone paint, a power tailgate, and a 360-degree parking camera, along with premium features such as ambient lighting, heated seats and steering wheel, and an upgraded sound system. The only optional extra for this model is a white interior finish for an additional £200.
Geely will be offering the EX2 for driving tests on UK roads in August, with the aim of assessing its competitiveness against established electric rivals such as the Renault 5, Citroen e-C3, and Peugeot e-208. The success of the EX2 in the UK market will depend on how consumers respond to its pricing strategy compared to its strong performance and sales volume in China.
