Geely E2 vs GWM Ora 03
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM Ora 03 wins on money kept: 54% retained after three years vs 48%, worth about R 179 479 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| E2 | Ora 03 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 339 900 | R 629 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 941/m | R 11 010/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 69% | 73% |
| Retained after 3 years | 48% | 54% |
| Value after 3 years | R 161 459 | R 340 938 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 178 441 | R 288 962 |
| Value after 5 years | R 109 893 | R 244 592 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (established) |
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
GWM Ora 03 →
GWM's retro-styled electric hatch went on sale in late 2023 and has sold in tiny numbers, with fewer than 100 units registered in its first three years. Launch pricing near R687k has been discounted to move stock. GWM plans to reboot the Ora line locally with the cheaper Ora 5, so the 03's future is uncertain.
Known for: retro styling and very slow sales
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Geely E2 or the GWM Ora 03?
The GWM Ora 03. It keeps about 54% of its price after three years against 48% for the Geely E2, a gap of 7 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Geely E2 loses about R 178 441 over three years and the GWM Ora 03 loses about R 288 962. 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 Geely E2 runs about R 5 941 per month and the GWM Ora 03 about R 11 010, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.