The novelty is positioned between the Dolphin Mini and the Dolphin GS, using the equipment package, autonomy and engine as arguments
Electric cars have always been a niche in Brazil, until the arrival of the BYD Dolphin in 2023. This propulsion fell into local taste in compact hatches below R$ 150 thousand, as they conquered a larger and more urban audience. The new Geely EX2 arrived in two versions with this focus.
The novelty is similar in size to the Dolphin GS, but the prices are less and close to that of the Dolphin Mini. Geely also has the benefit of having the support of Renault in Brazil, which is taking care of the logistics of distributing cars and parts.
SEE ALSO:
Because it is positioned between the two BYD hatches, let’s compare the Geely EX2 against both. The entry-level Pro version as an alternative to the Dolphin Mino GS and the top-of-the-line Max against the Dolphin GS.
Geely launched the EX2 with promotional prices, but did not give a deadline for their expiration. Those who buy the model at launch will be able to take the Pro version for the same price as the BYD Dolphin Mini.
The Max model, when compared to the Dolphin GS, stands out regardless of the shopping conditions. On the brand’s offers website there are no promotions for this model, only zero-rate financing in 24 installments. For the Mini there are only offers on the GL model, focused on direct sales and with a smaller battery.
While it lasts, Geely’s promotional prices will have some additional conditions along with it: zero-rate financing and balance in 24 installments for both models. At Max the offer also includes the wallbox or a year of free recharge.
| Car | List Price | Geely EX2 Pro Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Price | R$ 123.800 | 119,990 |
| Geely EX2 Max | R$ 136.800 | R$ 135.100 |
| BYD Dolphin Mini GS | R$ 119.990 | — |
| BYD Dolphin GS | R$ 149.990 | — |
Geely sells both versions of the EX2 with the same mechanics. Its great differential is having the engine mounted on the rear axle, which helps in climbs, starts, provides a front trunk and frees the front wheels to steer more.
BYD’s hatchback duo are front-wheel drive. Its engines are also less powerful, but the Dolphin GS has higher torque than the EX2.
Another technical point where the Geely EX2 stands out is in the independent rear suspension, something rare in this price range even for combustion models. See in the table below how it compares to Chinese rivals in performance:
| Metric | Geely EX2 | BYD Dolphin Mini | BYD Dolphin GS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h | 10.2 s | 14.9 sec | 10.9s |
| Top speed | 140 km/h | 130 km/h | 160 km/h |
| Power | 116 hp | 75 hp | 95 hp |
| Torque | 15,3 kgfm | 13,8 kgfm | 18.3 kgfm |
| Weight | 1,300 kg | 1,239 kg | 1.405 kg |
The Geely EX2 achieves the best, even with lower torque than the Dolphin GS. The rear-wheel drive and lower weight explain this behavior.
Its downside is at top speed, limited to 140 km/h. This requires more care from the driver when hitting the road, especially when calculating overtaking. But it already surpasses the Dolphin Mini GS.
When we talk about “consumption” of an electric car, the most remembered data is its autonomy on a full charge. But, just like a combustion vehicle, there is energy expenditure per kilometer driven.
Some electric cars are less efficient than others. The weight of the vehicle, engine power, and other factors affect this energy consumption. And the size of the battery is directly linked to the weight.
The Geely EX2 has the highest energy efficiency among cars sold in Brazil, with consumption of 0.39 Mj/km. Thanks to this factor, it achieved a range only 2 km shorter than that of the Dolphin GS, which has a larger battery.
It also needs less time to recharge. On a direct current fast charger it goes from 30 to 80% in 21 minutes, the Dolphin Mini needs 22 minutes and the Dolphin GS takes 30 minutes.
| Car | Battery Size | Autonomy (PBEV) | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| efficiency Geely EX2 | 39.4 kWh | 289 km | 0.39 Mj/km |
| BYD Dolphin Mini | 38 kmWh | 280 km | 0.41 Mj/km |
| BYD Dolphin GS | 44.9 kWh | 291 km | 0.42 Mj/km |
The two versions of the Geely EX2 have the same mechanical set, the differences between them are in the equipment package. As usual in Chinese models, it offers a lot of technology and a large screen on the dashboard, but slips because it has few buttons.
A serious flaw in it is not having the popular Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirrors. Geely guarantees that these functions will come in the future with an update. While this does not occur, it is necessary to use Carbitlink. Here’s what’s in each version of the EX2:
Addition to Pro items:
The Geely EX2 Pro is at a disadvantage when compared to the BYD Dolphin in this regard. The smaller rival already has electric adjustment in the driver’s seat, induction smartphone charger, connected services, 360º cameras, alloy wheels and smartphone mirroring.
In this comparison at the base of the pyramid of electric cars, the novelty stood out in other aspects, such as interior space, performance and autonomy. For those who want to take a lot of equipment for little, the Dolphin Mini is even more attractive.
When we take the comparison to the Geely EX2 Max against the BYD Dolphin GS, the situation improves for the rookie. The equipment is similar, but the ADAS package stands out — even more so if we take the price into account.
To have these safety assistants at BYD, you need to take the Dolphin Plus, with a 204 hp engine and a price of R$ 184.800. The brand already has the ADAS package on the smaller models, but for now it is limited to China and Europe.
We are well aware that these electric hatchbacks will be widely used in Brazil by app drivers, due to the low cost per km driven. Therefore, interior space is an important factor in the purchase.
The new Geely EX2 offers a large cabin for five occupants thanks to the wheelbase of 2.65 m. The space is similar to that of the Dolphin, which has a similar length and a wheelbase 5 cm longer.
The Dolphin Mini loses out in this regard because it is a subcompact. Its interior is wide compared to similar combustion engines, but it doesn’t have the space of its bigger brother or EX2.
The main advantage of the Geely is in the trunk — yes, in the plural. The rear has 375 liters of volume, while the front can take up to 70 liters.
BYD cars do not have the front one, they can at most receive an accessory that creates a tray in the safe. The trunk of the Dolphin GS has 250 liters of volume, while the Mini is homologated for 230 liters.
BYD has already won over a large volume of buyers with the Dolphin GS and Dolphin Mini. Even with a new competitor on the block, they still attract because they come well equipped.
However, Geely is changing the game by bringing a more powerful and efficient car at a lower price, in addition to offering the ADAS package. It also has the security of the parts distribution network shared with Renault.
Our suggestion is that it is worth betting on the Geely EX2 in the Max version.
