With electric vehicles becoming increasingly accessible to South African buyers, the Geely E5 has emerged as one of the most affordable options in the market. Priced around R400,000, this Chinese electric sedan promises to compete with established players like the MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3. But is it worth your hard-earned money?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine the Geely E5’s real-world performance, charging requirements, running costs, and overall value proposition for South African drivers. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether this affordable EV deserves a spot in your driveway.
Geely E5 Quick Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Geely E5 |
| Price (South Africa) | R395,000 – R425,000 |
| Battery Capacity | 60 kWh |
| WLTP Range | 440 km |
| Real-World Range (SA) | 320-380 km |
| Charging Time (AC 7kW) | 8-9 hours (0-100%) |
| Charging Time (DC 80kW) | 35-45 minutes (10-80%) |
| Power Output | 150 kW (204 hp) |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.9 seconds |
| Seating Capacity | 5 adults |
| Boot Space | 450 liters |
| Warranty | 5 years/150,000 km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/200,000 km |
Price and Value: What R400k Gets You
At approximately R400,000, the Geely E5 undercuts many competitors by R50,000-R100,000. For comparison:
- MG ZS EV: R499,990
- BYD Atto 3: R768,000
- Nissan Ariya: R999,000
- Hyundai Kona Electric: R849,900
This price point positions the Geely E5 as one of the most accessible entry-level EVs for budget-conscious South African families looking to transition from petrol to electric.
Design and Interior: Simple but Functional
The Geely E5 won’t win design awards, but it’s practical. The exterior features clean lines with LED headlights and a closed-off front grille typical of EVs. The 17-inch alloy wheels give it a modern stance without being flashy.
Inside, you’ll find:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen: Responsive, though not as polished as premium brands
- Digital instrument cluster: Clear and customizable
- Cloth seats: Comfortable for long journeys, but expect fabric rather than leather at this price
- Adequate storage: Decent door pockets and a useful center console
- Rear space: Surprisingly roomy for three adults
What’s Missing: No heated seats, no panoramic sunroof, and limited sound insulation compared to premium EVs. But for R400k, expectations should be realistic.
Real-World Performance and Range
The Geely E5’s 60 kWh battery delivers a claimed 440 km WLTP range. In South African conditions, expect:
- City driving: 360-380 km (aircon on, moderate traffic)
- Highway cruising: 320-350 km (120 km/h on N1/N2)
- Mixed driving: 340-360 km (typical daily use)
For perspective, this comfortably covers:
- Johannesburg to Pretoria: 56 km (6+ round trips)
- Cape Town to Stellenbosch: 50 km (7+ round trips)
- Durban to Ballito: 41 km (8+ round trips)
The 150 kW motor provides adequate acceleration. The 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time feels quick enough for highway merging and overtaking. Power delivery is smooth and linear, typical of electric motors.
Charging: What You Need to Know
The Geely E5 supports both AC and DC charging:
Home Charging (AC)
- 3.6 kW (Standard plug): 16-18 hours for full charge – not practical
- 7 kW (Dedicated charger): 8-9 hours for full charge – ideal for overnight
- 11 kW (If supported): 5-6 hours for full charge
💡 Professional Installation Recommended: For optimal charging speeds, you’ll need a dedicated 7kW or 11kW home charger installed by a certified electrician. Installation costs typically range from R8,500 to R15,000 depending on your electrical setup and distance from your DB board.
Get a free home charging assessment to determine the best solution for your property. ChargePoint SA’s COC-certified electricians can provide a detailed quote and typically complete installations within 2-4 hours.
Public DC Fast Charging
- 50 kW DC: 45-55 minutes (10-80%)
- 80 kW DC: 35-45 minutes (10-80%)
South Africa’s public charging network continues to expand, with GridCars, Jaguar, and Tesla Superchargers (via adapters) providing reasonable coverage along major routes.
Running Costs: Geely E5 vs Petrol Equivalent
Let’s compare 5-year ownership costs for the Geely E5 against a petrol sedan like the Toyota Corolla 1.8:
| Cost Category | Geely E5 (Electric) | Toyota Corolla 1.8 (Petrol) |
| Purchase Price | R400,000 | R450,000 |
| Fuel/Electricity (60,000 km) | R15,600 (R2.60/kWh) | R69,000 (R24/L, 8.5L/100km) |
| Services (5 years) | R8,000 (minimal) | R18,000 |
| Brake Replacement | R2,000 (regen braking saves pads) | R6,000 |
| Insurance (5 years) | R42,000 | R48,000 |
| Depreciation (estimated) | 35% (R140,000) | 40% (R180,000) |
| Total 5-Year Cost | R607,600 | R771,000 |
| Savings | R163,400 over 5 years | |
Annual savings: R32,680
Monthly savings: R2,723
Even factoring in the initial charger installation cost (R8,500-R15,000), you’ll break even within 5-6 months through fuel savings alone.
Calculate your exact EV savings based on your driving patterns and electricity costs.
Pros and Cons of the Geely E5
Pros ✅
- Affordable: R100k cheaper than most competitors
- Decent range: 320-380 km covers most daily needs
- Low running costs: Save R30k+ annually vs petrol
- Good warranty: 5 years/150,000 km, 8 years battery
- Adequate power: 150 kW feels quick for city driving
- Practical size: Good boot space and rear legroom
- Fast charging capable: 35-45 minutes at 80kW DC
Cons ❌
- Basic interior: Feels budget compared to premium EVs
- Limited brand recognition: Geely less known than Toyota/VW
- Resale uncertainty: Used EV market still developing in SA
- No luxury features: No heated seats, basic sound system
- Service network: Fewer dealers than established brands
- Build quality: Some plastic trim feels cheap
Who Should Buy the Geely E5?
The Geely E5 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious families: Want EV benefits without R800k+ price tag
- Urban commuters: Daily drives under 300 km
- First-time EV buyers: Testing electric without huge investment
- Environmentally conscious drivers: Want to reduce carbon footprint affordably
- Cost savers: Prioritize low running costs over luxury
Not ideal for:
- Frequent long-distance travelers (300km+ daily)
- Luxury seekers wanting premium materials
- Those needing towing capacity
- Brand-conscious buyers preferring established names
The Charging Infrastructure Investment
One critical factor often overlooked: you’ll need home charging infrastructure. Relying solely on public chargers is impractical for daily use.
Home Charger Options:
- 7kW AC Charger: R8,500-R12,000 installed – best value for most homes
- 11kW AC Charger: R12,000-R18,000 installed – faster if DB board supports
- Smart chargers: +R2,000-R3,000 – schedule off-peak charging for maximum savings
Professional installation includes:
- ✅ Electrical safety inspection
- ✅ COC (Certificate of Compliance)
- ✅ Proper cable management
- ✅ Weatherproof mounting
- ✅ Testing and commissioning
Learn more about professional EV charger installation and what to expect during the process.
Final Verdict: Is the Geely E5 Worth It?
Yes, if you prioritize value over luxury.
The Geely E5 offers genuine EV benefits at a price point most South African families can actually afford. While it lacks the premium feel of BMW or Mercedes EVs, it delivers on the fundamentals:
- ✅ Adequate range for daily use (320-380 km)
- ✅ Significant fuel savings (R30k+ annually)
- ✅ Low maintenance costs
- ✅ Practical family space
- ✅ Solid warranty coverage
At R400,000, it’s R100,000-R200,000 cheaper than competitors while offering 80% of the functionality. The savings from lower running costs mean you’ll break even within 2-3 years compared to buying a more expensive EV.
Our Rating: 7.5/10
The Geely E5 isn’t perfect, but it democratizes EV ownership in South Africa. If you can live with basic materials and prioritize practicality over prestige, this is an excellent entry point into electric driving.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Transitioning to an electric vehicle like the Geely E5 requires proper preparation, especially regarding home charging infrastructure. Here’s how to get started:
- Calculate your potential savings based on your current fuel costs and driving patterns
- Compare the Geely E5 to other EVs in your budget using our AI recommendation engine
- Get a free charging installation quote for your specific property
ChargePoint SA has installed over 500 home charging stations across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other major cities. Our COC-certified electricians ensure safe, compliant installations with full warranty coverage.
Questions about the Geely E5 or EV ownership in South Africa? Drop a comment below or contact our EV specialists for personalized advice.
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