The Geely EX2 compact electric hatchback recorded 465,775 retail sales in China during 2025, making it the top-selling passenger vehicle ahead of all EVs, hybrids, and petrol cars. This marks the first time a conventional hatchback—not an SUV—has claimed the crown in China’s massive auto market, signaling strong demand for affordable compact EVs. With an Australian debut confirmed for the second half of 2026, the EX2 positions Geely to challenge budget rivals like the BYD Atto 1 in a market hungry for sub-$30,000 electrics.
Background: Geely’s Rapid Rise in China and Australia
Geely Auto, a Chinese automaker founded in 1997, has transformed from a domestic player into a global force, bolstered by ownership of brands like Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. In 2025, Geely achieved 3.3 million global vehicle sales, placing it in the top 10 worldwide, with the EX2 accounting for about 15% of that total. In China, the world’s largest auto market with 34.4 million new-vehicle sales in 2025, Geely overtook Volkswagen and Toyota to become the second-largest carmaker, with wholesale sales up 66.4% to nearly 2.1 million units.
The EX2, known locally as the Geely Galaxy Xingyuan (Star Wish), launched in China just over a year ago and quickly dominated. It posted over 40,000 monthly sales for seven straight months, peaking at more than 50,000 in September 2025. This outperformed the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (435,599 sales) and Tesla Model Y (425,337 sales), with BYD models filling much of the top 10. Geely’s Galaxy New Energy Vehicle sub-brand doubled to over 526,000 units, underscoring its EV push.
In Australia, Geely entered aggressively, selling 5,010 vehicles in 2025 to outsell Skoda, Renault, KGM, Omoda Jaecoo, and Cupra. Models like the EX5 electric SUV (launched March 2025) and Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid (December 2025) laid the groundwork. Geely plans six new models by 2028, starting with the EX2 in H2 2026. Production for export has begun in Indonesia, with over 530,000 cumulative sales announced.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 4135mm |
| Width | 1805mm |
| Height | 1580mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650mm |
| Drive | Rear-wheel-drive |
| Base Powertrain | 58kW/310Nm motor, 30.12kWh LFP battery, 310km CLTC range |
| Higher Grade | 85kW/150Nm motor, 40.16kWh battery, 410km CLTC range |
| Body Style | 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA) |
| Australian Launch | H2 2026 (pricing and full specs TBC) |
Analysis: What Drove the EX2’s Success?
The EX2’s triumph in China highlights the dominance of compact, affordable EVs in a market where new energy vehicles (NEVs) surged 28.2% to 16.5 million units, nearly half of all passenger car sales. Unlike SUV-heavy trends elsewhere, Chinese buyers favored the EX2’s hatchback practicality, with over 30 storage compartments and efficient packaging on its 2650mm wheelbase—only 100mm shorter than the larger EX5 SUV. Its rapid rise from newcomer to leader in 14 months reflects Geely’s pricing aggression and GEA platform scalability, which supports multiple powertrains and cuts costs.
Australian Market Fit and Challenges
For Australia, the EX2 targets urban buyers seeking Tesla Model Y alternatives at lower prices. Similar in size to the BYD Dolphin and MG 4, it promises city-friendly dimensions and RWD dynamics. Geely’s local sales growth— from zero to outselling established brands—shows momentum, but questions remain: Will Australian specs match China’s range (CLTC figures inflate real-world WLTP by 20-30%)? Pricing details are unconfirmed, though expected near the BYD Atto 1’s $23,990 drive-away. Right-hand-drive conversion and NCAP safety ratings are pending, critical for family buyers.
EV Ecosystem and Broader Implications
The EX2’s sales underscore China’s EV boom, where foreign brands like Tesla placed only two models in the top 20, joined by newcomers Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Li Auto. Geely’s 3.02 million+ sales in 2025 included strong ICE growth, but NEVs like the EX2 drove the surge. Globally, this pressure is on incumbents; Toyota led with 11.3 million sales, but China’s scale dwarfs others (US: 16.3 million). For exporters, Indonesia’s production hints at Southeast Asian expansion, potentially easing Australian supply.
Comparison with Key Competitors
| Model | Sales (China 2025) | AU Price (est./start) | Range (CLTC/WLTP) | Key Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geely EX2 | 465,775 | TBC (sub-$30K expected) | 310-410km CLTC | Top sales, RWD, GEA platform |
| BYD Atto 1 (Seagull) | 310,000+ | $23,990 + on-roads | ~300km WLTP | Cheapest AU EV, established |
| Wuling Mini EV | 435,599 | N/A in AU | ~200-300km CLTC | Ultra-compact, value |
| Tesla Model Y | 425,337 | $55,900 + | 455km WLTP (RWD) | Premium brand, charging net |
The EX2 leads on volume but faces the Atto 1’s price edge and Tesla’s prestige. MG 4 offers similar hatch sizing at ~$35K in Australia, but lacks the EX2’s proven China demand.
Verdict
The Geely EX2 proves compact EVs can outsell SUVs in high-volume markets, making it a smart bet for Australia’s budget EV segment. Ideal for city commuters prioritizing affordability and efficiency over luxury, it could disrupt if priced competitively under $30,000 with solid WLTP range and 5-star safety. Unanswered questions around final specs, pricing, and real-world performance mean buyers should wait for local tests—Geely’s track record suggests potential, but execution will decide if China’s sales king conquers Down Under.
