South Africa’s electric vehicle market is finally offering genuinely affordable options. The Geely E5 and MG ZS EV represent two of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles available, both priced under R500,000. But which one offers better value for money?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll analyze pricing, range, features, charging requirements, and real-world running costs to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or upgrading from petrol, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Geely E5 | MG ZS EV |
| Price (SA 2025) | R395,000 – R425,000 | R499,990 |
| Body Style | Sedan | SUV |
| Battery Size | 60 kWh | 51 kWh |
| WLTP Range | 440 km | 320 km |
| Real-World Range | 320-380 km | 250-290 km |
| Power Output | 150 kW (204 hp) | 105 kW (143 hp) |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.9 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Charging (7kW AC) | 8-9 hours | 7-8 hours |
| Charging (DC Fast) | 35-45 min (10-80%) | 40-50 min (10-80%) |
| Boot Space | 450 L | 448 L |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Warranty | 5 yrs/150k km | 7 yrs/unlimited km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 yrs/200k km | 7 yrs/unlimited km |
Price Comparison: R105k Difference
The most obvious difference is price:
- Geely E5: R395,000 – R425,000
- MG ZS EV: R499,990
- Price gap: R75,000 – R105,000
This R105k difference is significant. To put it in perspective:
- That’s enough to cover home charger installation (R8,500-R15,000) AND 4+ years of electricity costs
- Represents 21% more expensive than the Geely E5
- Could buy you 3 years of comprehensive insurance
The question becomes: what do you get for that extra R105k?
Design and Practicality: Sedan vs SUV
Body Style
- Geely E5: Traditional sedan with sleek profile, lower to ground
- MG ZS EV: Compact SUV with higher driving position, more commanding road presence
Winner: Personal preference, but SUVs are more popular in SA for their higher ground clearance and visibility.
Interior Quality
Geely E5:
- Simple, functional interior
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Cloth seats throughout
- Digital instrument cluster
- Basic materials, some hard plastics
MG ZS EV:
- More refined cabin feel
- 10.1-inch touchscreen with better software
- Faux leather seats (upper trim)
- Better sound insulation
- More soft-touch materials
Winner: MG ZS EV – noticeably nicer interior for the extra money.
Boot Space and Practicality
- Geely E5: 450 liters – good for a sedan, 2 large suitcases
- MG ZS EV: 448 liters – similar capacity, but higher loading height and easier access
Both offer adequate space for family trips, though the MG’s SUV configuration makes loading groceries and luggage easier.
Winner: Tie – similar space, different configurations.
Range and Battery: Geely E5 Wins Big
This is where the Geely E5 shows its value:
Battery Capacity
- Geely E5: 60 kWh battery
- MG ZS EV: 51 kWh battery
- Difference: 18% larger battery in the cheaper car!
Real-World Range (South African Conditions)
| Driving Condition | Geely E5 | MG ZS EV |
| City (aircon, moderate traffic) | 360-380 km | 270-290 km |
| Highway (120 km/h cruise) | 320-350 km | 250-270 km |
| Mixed driving (daily use) | 340-360 km | 260-280 km |
The Geely E5 offers 30-35% more range than the MG ZS EV. This means:
- Less frequent charging: Charge twice a week vs three times
- Less range anxiety: More comfortable for longer trips
- Better resale value: Larger battery degrades less percentage-wise
Winner: Geely E5 – significantly more range for less money.
Performance: Geely E5 is Quicker
Geely E5:
- 150 kW (204 hp)
- 0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
- Feels punchy and responsive
MG ZS EV:
- 105 kW (143 hp)
- 0-100 km/h: 8.6 seconds
- Adequate but not exciting
The Geely E5 is noticeably quicker (1.7 seconds faster to 100 km/h), making highway merging and overtaking easier. Both are smooth in city traffic thanks to instant electric torque.
Winner: Geely E5 – more power, faster acceleration.
Charging Requirements and Costs
Both vehicles need dedicated home charging for practical daily use. Here’s what you’ll need:
Home Charging Setup
For either vehicle, we recommend:
- 7kW AC Charger: R8,500-R12,000 installed
- Charging time: 7-9 hours (overnight charging)
- Smart charger option: +R2,000 (schedule off-peak charging)
Professional installation by a COC-certified electrician typically includes:
- ✅ Electrical safety assessment
- ✅ Proper cable routing and management
- ✅ Weatherproof mounting
- ✅ Certificate of Compliance (COC)
- ✅ Testing and commissioning
💡 Important: Don’t skimp on installation. A proper setup ensures safety, optimal charging speeds, and protects your warranty. Get a free assessment to see what your specific property needs.
Running Costs (Per 100 km)
| Cost Factor | Geely E5 | MG ZS EV |
| Energy consumption | 13.6 kWh/100km | 16.0 kWh/100km |
| Electricity cost (R2.60/kWh) | R35.36/100km | R41.60/100km |
| Annual cost (20,000 km) | R7,072 | R8,320 |
The Geely E5 is actually cheaper to run despite having a larger battery, thanks to better efficiency.
Comparison to petrol (Toyota Corolla):
- Petrol: R32,000/year (20,000 km at R24/L, 8L/100km)
- Geely E5: R7,072/year – saves R24,928 annually
- MG ZS EV: R8,320/year – saves R23,680 annually
Calculate your exact savings based on your driving patterns and local electricity rates.
Warranty and After-Sales: MG Wins Here
Geely E5:
- 5-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty
- 8-year/200,000 km battery warranty
- Smaller dealer network in SA
MG ZS EV:
- 7-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty (industry-leading!)
- 7-year/unlimited km battery warranty
- Better-established dealer network
- Roadside assistance included
MG’s warranty is genuinely impressive – one of the best in the industry for any vehicle, let alone an EV. This provides excellent peace of mind and potentially better resale value.
Winner: MG ZS EV – significantly better warranty coverage.
Total Cost of Ownership Over 5 Years
Let’s calculate the true cost including purchase, charging infrastructure, electricity, and maintenance:
| Cost Category | Geely E5 | MG ZS EV |
| Purchase price | R400,000 | R499,990 |
| Home charger installation | R10,000 | R10,000 |
| Electricity (100,000 km) | R35,360 | R41,600 |
| Services/maintenance | R12,000 | R10,000 |
| Insurance (5 years) | R42,000 | R48,000 |
| Tyres (1 set) | R8,000 | R8,000 |
| Estimated depreciation (35%) | R140,000 | R175,000 |
| TOTAL 5-YEAR COST | R647,360 | R792,590 |
| Cost difference | R145,230 cheaper (Geely) | |
Even over 5 years, the Geely E5 remains R145k cheaper to own. That’s a substantial saving.
Pros and Cons Summary
Geely E5 Advantages
- ✅ R75k-R105k cheaper purchase price
- ✅ Larger battery (60 kWh vs 51 kWh)
- ✅ 30-35% more range (340-360 km vs 260-280 km)
- ✅ More powerful (150 kW vs 105 kW)
- ✅ Faster acceleration (6.9s vs 8.6s)
- ✅ Lower running costs (R7k vs R8k annually)
- ✅ R145k cheaper total ownership over 5 years
MG ZS EV Advantages
- ✅ SUV body style (more popular, easier loading)
- ✅ Better interior quality and materials
- ✅ 7-year/unlimited warranty (vs 5-year/150k)
- ✅ Better-established brand in SA
- ✅ Larger dealer network
- ✅ More refined road manners
- ✅ Better sound insulation
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Geely E5 if:
- 💰 Budget is your priority – save R75k-R145k
- 🔋 You want maximum range – 340-360 km real-world
- ⚡ You value performance – quicker, more powerful
- 📊 You do higher mileage – larger battery means less frequent charging
- 🚗 You prefer sedans – sleeker look, easier parking
Choose the MG ZS EV if:
- 🚙 You prefer SUV styling – higher seating, commanding view
- 📜 Warranty peace of mind matters – 7 years unlimited is exceptional
- 🎨 Interior quality is important – nicer materials, better refinement
- 🔧 You want established service network – more MG dealers nationwide
- 👥 Brand recognition matters to you – MG is more well-known
- 💼 Your daily commute is under 200 km – range is sufficient
Our Recommendation
For most South African buyers, the Geely E5 offers better value. Here’s why:
- R145k savings over 5 years is substantial – that’s enough for a vacation, home improvements, or kids’ education
- 35% more range makes it more practical for real-world use
- Better performance for less money doesn’t happen often
- The warranty difference (7 yr vs 5 yr) is nice but unlikely to be needed – EVs are reliable
However, if you truly prefer SUVs and can afford the R100k premium, the MG ZS EV is still a solid choice with its excellent warranty.
Final Verdict: Geely E5 – 8/10 | MG ZS EV – 7.5/10
Getting Started with Your EV Purchase
Whichever vehicle you choose, proper charging infrastructure is essential. Here’s your action plan:
- Calculate your exact savings – See your personalized ROI based on driving habits
- Get a free home charging assessment – Understand your property’s charging capabilities before buying
- Compare more EVs – Use our AI recommendation engine to see all options in your budget
💡 Pro Tip: Arrange your home charger installation before your vehicle arrives. This way, you can start driving electric from day one without relying on public chargers.
ChargePoint SA has installed over 500 charging stations across South Africa. Our COC-certified electricians provide:
- Free site assessments
- Transparent pricing (no hidden costs)
- Same-week installations
- 2-year workmanship warranty
- Full post-installation support
Learn more about our installation process or request a quote today.
Still undecided? Have questions? Drop a comment below or contact our team for personalized EV advice tailored to your needs and budget.
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