BYD Dolphin Surf vs Geely E2
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 48% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Dolphin Surf | E2 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 341 900 | R 339 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 976/m | R 5 941/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 48% |
| Value after 3 years | R 162 409 | R 161 459 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 179 491 | R 178 441 |
| Value after 5 years | R 110 540 | R 109 893 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (new entrant) |
BYD Dolphin Surf →
At R339,900 on launch in late 2025, the Dolphin Surf undercut every other new EV in SA by a wide margin. By March 2026 it was the country's best-selling electric car. Claimed range is modest at 232km to 295km depending on battery size, which suits it to city driving.
Known for: south africa's cheapest new ev
Geely E2 →
Launched in April 2026 at R339,900, the E2 took the title of South Africa's cheapest new EV from the BYD Dolphin Surf. It is the local version of China's best-selling car, the Geely Star Wish, with a 39.4 kWh battery and 325 km claimed range. Depreciation on budget EVs here remains untested.
Known for: south africa's cheapest ev
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Dolphin Surf or the Geely E2?
They are close to inseparable: 48% vs 48% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BYD Dolphin Surf loses about R 179 491 over three years and the Geely E2 loses about R 178 441. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BYD Dolphin Surf runs about R 5 976 per month and the Geely E2 about R 5 941, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.