Another compact Chinese EV hatchback confirmed for NZ

The small, affordable end of the electric vehicle market is only getting more crowded, with yet another nameplate now confirmed for the segment. 

Whilst it has yet to issue any formal communications, Geely is set to bring its EX2 plug-in hatchback to the New Zealand market — confirming the news via an update to the brand’s local website. 

The EX2 is listed on the site as “coming soon”, with the marque also inviting potential customers to register their interest on the website. It’s set to become Geely’s fourth new nameplate for our market, following the EX5, Starray EM-i, and Riddara RD6. 

The website only details a handful of local specs. It notes that the model is the first Geely sold locally with a ‘frunk’, whilst around the back there is 1320-litres of boot space with the back seats folded flat. 

The model’s safety tech suite has also been fleshed out, with the website listing radar cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear collision warning, lane changing assist and blind spot detection (amongst other features) as standard equipment. 

Overseas, the EX2 is sold with a 39.4kWh battery pack with a WLTP-rated range of 325km. It’s rear-wheel drive, with its rear-mounted motor developing 85kW of power and 150Nm of torque. It has a 0–100kph time of 11.5 seconds and a peak DC charging rate of 70kW.

Interior highlights overseas, meanwhile, include a 14.6-inch touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, faux leather upholstery, a wireless phone charger, and more. Local specifications could differ. 

The EX2 is the latest in a range of value-packed electric hatchbacks to be confirmed for our market. 

This year has seen the BYD Atto 1, MG4 Urban, and GAC Aion UT all launch in New Zealand. The Dongfeng Box was launched in late 2025. On top of that, Chery has announced it will bring the fully electric Q hatch to local dealerships next year. 

The growth of the electric hatchback segment comes amid a surge in EV interest triggered earlier this year by a considerable increase in global petrol and diesel prices caused by ongoing conflict in Iran. 

Late last week, local Geely distributor NordEast reported that local sales of the brand’s cars are up 551% year-on-year. It is opening two new Geely dealerships in the coming weeks, one in Palmerston North and another in Nelson.