Geely enters the electric city car market

Geely, a Chinese manufacturer, has entered the electric city car market with the E2, offering performance and space that stand out in the category. The E2 is part of Geely's strategy to gain a share of the European and French markets, following the launch of its first two SUVs, the E5 100% electric and the Starray EM-i hybrid.

E2's size and habitability

The Geely E2 has a length of 4.13 m and a height of 1.58 m, making it closer in size to urban SUVs like the Renault 4 E-Tech or the Jeep Avenger than to true city cars like the Renault 5 E-Tech or the Peugeot e-208. It has a wheelbase of 2.65 m, equivalent to that of a compact car. The E2 emphasizes habitability, offering a volume on board comparable to upper-category vehicles.

E2's trunk and storage features

The trunk volume of the E2 is 375 l according to the VDA standard, which is as much as that of the latest XPeng L03, despite the E2's smaller size. However, the trunk is described as a single large box with basic modularity, featuring a split rear bench (60/40) but lacking modular floor or hidden storage. The E2 compensates with a frunk (front trunk) of 70 l, which can accommodate items such as cables, safety equipment, backpacks, and a small cabin suitcase.

Interior design and materials

The E2 includes a compartment under the center console that is easily accessible, along with large door pockets and under the armrest. The glove compartment is designed as a wide drawer. The materials used are not high-end, but the quality is present, with faux leathers, aluminum-like trim, and plastic parts that mimic leather grain. The black parts (Black Piano) are not on contact zones, which should help with aging.

E2's driving performance

The chassis of the E2 is noted for its effectiveness, with an adaptive cruise control that performs well, although it is unavailable above 130 km/h and is cautious with the preceding car even on the shortest distance setting. The car can travel easily on highways, with a maximum speed of 139 km/h. Performance is described as sufficient for a city car, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.0 seconds.

E2's range and charging capabilities

The E2's range is considered average, with an estimated 310 km of mixed range and 210 km on the highway. The car's energy consumption is around 12 kWh/100 km in the city, approaching the efficiency of the Peugeot e-208 156 hp or the Hyundai Inster 49 kWh. However, the E2 lacks the autonomy of the Renault 5 E-Tech or Peugeot e-208.

E2's pricing and market position

The E2 is priced at 20,990 euros for the entry-level Pro version (35.4 kWh / 252 km WLTP), 24,990 euros for the Pro+ version (47.1 kWh / 345 km WLTP), and 26,990 euros for the Max+ over-equipped version. These prices are considered audacious, especially when compared to competitors that benefit from generous discounts or official bonuses.