The company, founded in 1986, today forms part of Geely Holding, which oversees several well-known brands. According to the group, this includes Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Lynk and Co, the London Electric Vehicle Company and Farizon, among others.

Geely’s South African relaunch begins with the E5 range after it left the country in 2009.

The E5 is a compact electric SUV available in Aspire and Apex grades. Boot space is listed at 461 litres with a maximum of 1 877 litres.

The vehicle uses a 60.22-kilowatt hour battery and a front mounted electric motor that produces 160kW and 320Nm. Claimed WLTP range is 430 kilometres for the Aspire and 410 kilometres for the Apex.

Both versions support rapid charging where a 30 to 80 percent charge requires about 20 minutes. Standard specifications include Vehicle to Load and Vehicle to Vehicle charging capability, a 15.4-inch central screen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a range of driver assistance systems. Pricing for the E5 starts at R699 999 for the Aspire and R759 999 for the Apex.

Alongside the E5, the company has launched the E5 EM i. This model uses a 1.5 litre petrol engine producing 73kW and 125Nm metres together with an electric unit that contributes 160kW and 262Nm.

The system operates as a hybrid first design, offering pure electric, hybrid and power modes. An 18.4-kilowatt hour battery enables an electric only range within the segment and also supports Vehicle to Load functionality. The battery can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes using direct current charging. Total claimed range is 943 kilometres.

Interior equipment on the E5 EM i includes a 15.4-inch infotainment display running Geely’s Flyme system, a surround view monitor and wireless Apple CarPlay, while the Apex version adds a 16-speaker audio system, a powered sunroof and further comfort items. Pricing ranges from R599 999 for the Aspire to R679 999 for the Apex.

Both models are supported by the company’s Geely Care plus programme. Warranty coverage on the vehicles is six years or 150 000 kilometres while the batteries carry an eight-year or 200 000-kilometre warranty. Roadside assistance is offered for five years with unlimited distance.

Geely’s South African dealer network is active and supported by a local parts distribution centre, with further expansion expected as the brand settles back into the market. Although the company has not yet confirmed which models will follow the E5 and E5 EM i, its global portfolio suggests that more new-energy vehicles could be added in future.