SA's cheapest EVs are now R10,000 apart. Chery Q vs Geely E2 vs Dolphin Surf
The Chery Q set a South African EV sales record of 438 units in October. Here's how its R349 900 price, range and specs compare with the Geely E2 and BYD Dolphin Surf.
The Chery Q sold 438 units in October, a new monthly record for an electric car in South Africa, according to Naamsa figures reported by The Citizen. That beat the BYD Dolphin Surf's previous record of 302 in April. The Dolphin Surf still sold 248.
The Q starts at R349 900, which puts South Africa's cheapest EVs within about R10 000 of each other.
What do the cheapest electric cars in South Africa cost?
| Model | Starting price | Top price |
|---|---|---|
| Geely E2 | R339 900 | R389 900 |
| BYD Dolphin Surf | R341 900 | R395 900 |
| Dongfeng Box E2 430 | R349 000 | Not listed |
| Chery Q | R349 900 | R389 900 |
Sources: The Citizen, Cars.co.za.
The Geely E2 is still the cheapest on sticker price. Its sales aren't yet included in Naamsa's monthly figures, so it can't be compared on volume, The Citizen notes.
What do you get in the Chery Q for R349 900?
Both versions use the same 42.7kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a 90kW rear motor with 115Nm, Cars.co.za reports. Chery claims up to 400km on the older NEDC test and lists 310km on the stricter WLTP test on its own site. Real-world range is usually closer to the WLTP figure.
| Version | Price | Key extras |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | R349 900 | 16-inch wheels, cruise control, power tailgate |
| Elite | R389 900 | 17-inch alloys, 15.6-inch screen, electric driver's seat, adaptive cruise |
Sources: Chery SA, CAR magazine.
CAR magazine says it comes with a five-year/100 000km service plan, a five-year/150 000km warranty and a 10-year/200 000km battery warranty (CAR). At 4 195mm long it is 270mm longer than the Dolphin Surf (Cars.co.za).
Why are more South Africans buying EVs now?
High fuel prices and cheaper EVs have pushed buyers towards electric cars, The Citizen reports. Overall new-vehicle sales hit an all-time record of 61 890 in October, up 10.4% on a year earlier, according to Naamsa data. The Toyota Hilux was the best seller on 3 820.
FAQ
What is the cheapest electric car in South Africa?
The Geely E2 is the cheapest on starting price at R339 900, followed by the BYD Dolphin Surf at R341 900 and the Chery Q at R349 900.
How far can the Chery Q drive on a charge?
Chery claims up to 400km on the NEDC test and lists 310km on the stricter WLTP test.
How many Chery Qs were sold in October 2026?
438, a monthly record for an electric car in South Africa, according to Naamsa figures reported by The Citizen.