The compact EV war in Australia is escalating, and the battlefield is about to shrink. With the arrival of the BYD Atto 1 (formerly the Seagull) and the aggressive pricing of the GWM Ora, the sub-$40,000 segment is where the real market growth is happening. Now, the Chinese giant Geely—already making waves with the medium EX5 SUV—is preparing to drop its ultimate weapon: the Geely EX2 electric hatchback.

Global reports confirm the EX2 is commencing a major international rollout across five continents, including right-hand-drive markets like the UK and Thailand. For Australian EV enthusiasts, this is the clearest indication yet that the EX2 is next in line to join the local Geely portfolio, aiming to become one of the nation’s most affordable, practical, and highest-selling EVs.

The question isn’t if it will come, but how low the price tag will drop when it lands, and whether it can dethrone the rising wave of budget rivals.

👑 The Chinese Sales Phenomenon

To appreciate the gravity of the EX2’s potential arrival, one must look at its performance in its home market. Known as the “Xingyuan” in China, the EX2 has been nothing short of a sensation:

• China’s Best-Seller: Between January and September 2025, the Xingyuan was the best-selling vehicle across ALL categories in China.
• Global Second-Place: In August 2025, it ranked as the second best-selling Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) worldwide, trailing only the powerhouse Tesla Model Y.
• Volume King: It became the fastest Chinese model to exceed 400,000 units sold, demonstrating scale and consumer acceptance that few global models achieve.

This level of proven volume and demand suggests the EX2 is far from a budget afterthought—it is a finely tuned, mass-market electric product. Geely’s strategy is clear: bring a product that is already a sales titan to rapidly seize market share globally.

📐 Size, Specs, and the Price Ceiling

The Geely EX2 is perfectly sized for congested Australian capital cities, slotting into the B-segment—the same class as the Mazda 2 or Hyundai i20.

The Performance and Practicality Edge

While the BYD Atto 1 is expected to be the absolute cheapest EV in Australia (potentially starting under $30,000), the EX2 offers a compelling argument for spending a few thousand dollars more:

1. More Car for the Money: At 4.14 metres long, the EX2 is noticeably larger than the Atto 1 (Seagull), offering a more comfortable 2,650mm wheelbase (matching the GWM Ora) and a more generous cabin experience.
2. Handling and Architecture: The EX2 is built on Geely’s advanced GEA (Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture) platform. This dedicated architecture promises a more refined ride, better handling, and superior chassis safety than simply electrifying an existing platform.
3. Storage Practicality: Early reviews praise the EX2 as a “space magician.” It features a larger trunk capacity (375 to 1,320 litres) and boasts an incredible 36 storage solutions throughout the cabin, maximising utility—a feature highly valued by Australian families looking for a practical second vehicle.
4. Integrated Tech: Leveraging Geely’s Flyme operating system, the EX2 is expected to offer a high level of connectivity and human-machine interaction, consistent with its larger sibling, the EX5.

🇦🇺 The Budget EV Battle: EX2 vs. Atto 1

The arrival of the EX2 will set up the most exciting budget EV showdown in Australia to date: The Geely EX2 vs. The BYD Atto 1.

• The Atto 1 (Seagull): Will win the absolute price war. It is the EV for the budget-conscious commuter seeking minimum cost entry into electrification. Its smaller size and lower power are deliberate trade-offs for price.
• The Geely EX2: Will win the value and versatility war. For a slight premium, the buyer gets a larger car, more range (an estimated 340km WLTP is a sweet spot for urban/regional running), and superior interior packaging and storage. The EX2 targets the buyer transitioning from a petrol-powered Mazda 2 or Toyota Yaris, who needs a viable primary or second family car.

The Enthusiast’s Take: Why This Matters

For Australian EV enthusiasts, the launch of the EX2 is a win-win scenario, regardless of which car they buy:

• Forcing the Price Down: Geely’s aggressive entry forces BYD and GWM to respond with either more features or lower prices on their existing models. Increased competition in the $30k-$40k bracket benefits every Australian consumer.
• Platform Validation: Geely’s decision to use its global GEA platform, which also underpins the popular EX5, reassures buyers that this budget hatch is built on a modern, dedicated electric architecture—not a cheap adaptation.
• Quality Commitment: Geely has already committed to an industry-leading 7-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an 8-year battery warranty for the Australian market with the EX5. It is highly likely the EX2 will carry the same confidence-boosting commitment, effectively neutralizing any long-term reliability concerns for the first time EV buyer.

The Geely EX2 is now rolling out across five continents, and Australia, with its established Geely dealer network and appetite for affordable EVs, is an inevitable target. If Geely can land the EX2 under the crucial $40,000 mark (before the inevitable price drop and tax incentives), it is poised to rapidly reshape the electric landscape, forcing every major competitor to re-evaluate their entry-level strategy. The budget EV war is about to get very interesting.

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