Australia’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market just received a significant new challenger this week, with Chinese automotive giant Geely officially announcing local pricing and specifications for its highly anticipated EX2 electric hatchback. Set to arrive in dealerships from late July 2026, the Geely EX2 will start from a compelling AUD$26,490 plus on-road costs, directly undercutting several established rivals and intensifying competition in the increasingly vital sub-$30,000 EV segment.

The aggressive pricing strategy signals Geely’s intent to capture a substantial share of Australia’s rapidly expanding EV landscape, where demand for affordable, practical electric transport is soaring. This launch marks a pivotal moment for Australian consumers seeking entry-level EVs, offering a fresh option with a unique rear-wheel-drive configuration and a five-seat layout, differentiating it from some smaller competitors.

Australia’s EV Market Fuels Demand for Affordability

The arrival of the Geely EX2 comes as Australia’s new car market continues its dramatic shift towards electrification. June 2026 saw battery electric vehicles (BEVs) account for a record 23.5 per cent of all new passenger car sales, a significant jump from 7.6 per cent in June 2025. This surge, driven by escalating fuel prices and growing environmental awareness, has seen Chinese brands emerge as dominant forces, accounting for 58 per cent of Australia’s EV market in the first half of 2026.

“The EX2’s aggressive pricing confirms it as another serious sub-$30,000 EV contender and gives Geely a second all-electric model in Australia alongside the larger EX5 SUV.”

While national EV sales records have been shattered, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) demonstrated an even more profound shift, with BEVs comprising 43 per cent and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) an additional 12 per cent of all new car registrations in June. This highlights a clear appetite for lower-emission vehicles, particularly when accessible pricing and strong incentives are in play.

Geely EX2: Models, Pricing, and Key Features

The 2026 Geely EX2 will be available in two distinct variants for the Australian market:

  • EX2 Complete: Priced from AUD$26,490 plus on-road costs.
  • EX2 Inspire: Priced from AUD$30,990 plus on-road costs.

Both models utilise a rear-mounted electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a setup that offers a robust and cost-effective solution for urban and suburban driving. A key differentiator for the EX2 in its segment is its rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration and multi-link independent rear suspension, promising a more engaging driving experience compared to many front-wheel drive rivals.

The entry-level EX2 Complete features a 60kW/150Nm electric motor paired with a 35.3kWh LFP battery, delivering a WLTP driving range of 252km. For those seeking extended range and performance, the EX2 Inspire steps up with an 85kW/150Nm electric motor and a larger 47.1kWh LFP battery, extending its WLTP range to 345km.

Charging capabilities include a modest DC fast-charging rate of up to 60kW for the Complete and 80kW for the Inspire, while both variants support a maximum 6kW AC charging rate. This AC rate is suitable for overnight home charging, which accounts for approximately 80% of reported EV charging in Australia. For those considering home charging solutions, understanding how to Optimise EV Charging with Solar This Winter 2026: Max Savings Guide can significantly reduce running costs.

Practicality is also a focus, with the EX2 offering a 70L ‘frunk’ (front trunk) and a 375L boot, alongside its five-seat capacity.

Competitive Landscape: Value Against Rivals

The Geely EX2 enters a highly competitive segment, aiming to challenge established players and other new entrants from China. Its pricing directly positions it against the BYD Atto 1, BYD Dolphin, and certain MG4 variants.

| Model | Starting Price (AUD)¹ | WLTP Range (km) | Seating | Drive Type | Key Differentiator | |:----------------|:----------------------|:----------------|:--------|:-----------|:-------------------------------------------------|: | Geely EX2 Complete | $26,490 + ORCs | 252 | 5 | RWD | Rear-wheel drive, 5-seater at entry price | | Geely EX2 Inspire | $30,990 + ORCs | 345 | 5 | RWD | Longest range RWD in segment at this price | | BYD Atto 1 | $23,990 + ORCs | 310 | 4 | FWD | Currently Australia’s cheapest EV | | BYD Dolphin Essential | $29,990 + ORCs | 340 | 5 | FWD | Strong value, established brand | | MG4 Urban | $31,990 Drive-away | 350 | 5 | RWD | Drive-away pricing, sporty design |

¹ Prices are approximate and exclude on-road costs (ORCs) unless specified as drive-away.

Geely is further sweetening the deal with a launch offer for customers ordering and taking delivery between July 12 and August 31, 2026. This includes a complimentary 7kW home EV charger and a premium paint upgrade, valued at up to AUD$600. Additionally, Geely is offering a competitive 0.68 per cent comparison rate on a 36-month finance term, based on a secured consumer fixed-rate loan of AUD$30,000 over five years. This focus on bundled value propositions aims to ease the transition to EV ownership for many Australians.

The Road Ahead for Affordable EVs

The arrival of the Geely EX2 underscores a broader trend in the Australian EV market: increasing affordability and choice. As more manufacturers enter the segment with competitively priced models, the barrier to entry for electric vehicle ownership continues to lower. This is crucial for accelerating EV adoption beyond early adopters and into mainstream households.

Geely, which also owns brands like Volvo and Polestar, only officially launched its namesake brand in Australia in March 2025. The EX2 was China’s best-selling car in 2025, with over 459,000 units delivered globally, demonstrating its appeal in a mature EV market. Its introduction here is expected to further drive down prices and push innovation across the entire affordable EV spectrum.

For Australian consumers, this means more options, greater value, and increased pressure on established brands to respond with their own compelling entry-level EV offerings. The coming months will reveal just how significant an impact the Geely EX2 makes on Australia’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.