The Geely E2, South Africa’s most affordable electric car, beats the VW Polo Vivo in almost every area, according to a comparison by MyBroadband.
The publication said the E2 has a stronger motor, more room, better safety and more tech features than the country’s best-selling petrol car. The Polo Vivo only wins on driving range and towing.
Geely launched the E2 compact hatchback in South Africa in May 2026. Its entry-level model was priced the same as the cheapest BYD Dolphin Surf at its launch, which made the E2 the new most affordable electric car.
Geely has not officially reported local sales. MyBroadband said it understands the E2 has sold more than 2,500 units, which would make it the best-selling electric car in the country.
BYD started the move to cheaper electric cars when it brought the Dolphin Surf to South Africa in September 2025, at a starting price of R339,900. Before that, electric cars that could reach full highway speed cost about R460,000.
The E2 has a single motor at the back that makes up to 85kW and 150Nm of torque. It goes from 0 to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds. The entry-level Polo Vivo 1.4 Hatch takes 12.8 seconds.
Inside, the E2 has a large touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. It also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The basic Polo Vivo has a standard car radio with Bluetooth and USB.
The E2 also offers keyless entry and start, electric windows on all doors and a multifunction steering wheel. MyBroadband said these are not available on the Vivo.
The electric car is about 16cm longer than the Vivo and has an 18cm longer wheelbase. Its boot holds 375 litres, compared with 280 litres in the Polo Vivo. It also has a 70-litre front boot, which can hold a portable charger and a charging cable.
On safety, the E2 has a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. MyBroadband said the Polo Vivo can score no more than 2 stars in the less strict Global NCAP test unless buyers pay for an optional airbag upgrade.
The E2 Aspire costs R68,000 more than the Polo. Based on current petrol and electricity prices, MyBroadband worked out that the E2 costs about R1.12 less per kilometre to drive.
Using a Numbeo figure of about 43km of driving per day, that comes to a saving of R48.16 a day. At that rate, it would take 1,412 days, or less than four years, to cover the price gap.
That sum does not include servicing. All E2 models come with a 5-year or 90,000km service plan, while the Vivo does not have a service plan as standard. The E2’s battery warranty is also three years longer than the Vivo’s engine warranty.
The Polo Vivo comes out ahead on range. The E2 uses 15.2kWh per 100km and can travel up to 325km on a full charge on the WLTP cycle.
The entry-level Vivo uses a claimed 5.5 litres per 100km and has a 45-litre tank, so it can travel more than 800km on a full tank. It can also tow up to 1,000kg braked or 580kg unbraked, while the E2 is not rated for towing.
Source: this article is based on reporting by MyBroadband. Image: MyBroadband. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.