Budget EV battle: BYD Atto 1's crown is under threat as Geely EX2 eyes Australia

The reign of the BYD Atto 1 as Australia’s cheapest EV could be short-lived with its Chinese nemesis, the Geely EX2, on track for a local debut in 2026.

While the BYD Atto 1 small car has grabbed local headlines with confirmation that its price could start below $25,000 the upcoming Geely EX2 may undercut that when it arrives in the coming months.

Based on how similar models have performed in China, the EX2 could even outsell the Atto 1.

In China, where it is known as the Geely Geome Xingyuan (or Star Wishes) and priced from the equivalent of $15,000, the tiny five-door EV has been the number one seller all-year round.

Launched in late 2024, it has already overtaken both the Atto 1 (known as the Seagull in China) and the Tesla Model Y in popularity.

Geely claims the model ranked as the world’s second-best selling EV in August, with total sales already topping 400,000.

Geely Auto Australia remains tight-lipped on the EX2, with CEO Lei Li offering only, “it’s in our plan,” when pressed by carsales – and when asked if that means 2026, his response was simply, “we’ll see.”

Built on Geely’s Global Electric Architecture (GEA) platform – a modular EV design created for compact electric models – the Xingyuan measures 4135mm long, 1805mm wide and 1570mm tall, with a 2650mm wheelbase.

Commendably for its size, the Xingyuan offers a 375-litre boot that expands to 1320-litres with the rear seats folded, plus a handy 70-litre front trunk.

The rear-engined rear-wheel drive Xingyuan is powered by a choice of 58kW/130Nm and 85kW/150Nm e-motors fed by a choice of 30.12kWh and 40.16kWh battery packs.

The smaller pack delivers a – usually optimistic – China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) range of 310km and the larger pack offers 410km.

The system is controlled by multiple driving modes and is supported by a chassis featuring electric-assist power steering, MacPherson strut up front, a multi-link rear suspension, and dual-mode brakes.

Key equipment includes LED headlights, a powered tailgate, 16-inch wheels, Geely’s in-house Flyme audio system, 15-watts wireless smartphone charging, embedded satnav dual digital screens, seat heating, and adjustable rear air-conditioning vents.

Safety equipment features six airbags, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking.

Geely has made no secret of its global ambitions for the EX2, which has just gone on sale in Brazil and is confirmed for Thailand, Indonesia, and Europe.

Back home, Geely Auto Australia (GAA) intends to have at least six models on sale by 2028 as it eyes a top 10 spot alongside BYD, GWM, MG, and Chery within three to five years.

So far, it has launched two models – the EX5 EV and Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUVs – both priced below their BYD equivalents, suggesting the EX2 may adopt a similar strategy against the Atto 1.

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