Chery Q: gunning for SA's cheapest EV
Chery's first fully electric model for South Africa is on its way, aiming to undercut the Geely E2 and BYD Dolphin Surf. Pre-orders are open now from a R5 000 deposit. Here's everything reported so far.
The Chery Q — Chery's first fully electric model for South Africa.
Chery's first EV, built to be SA's cheapest
Chery is stepping into the EV segment with the Q — its first battery-electric model for South Africa, and a clean break from the old petrol-powered QQ of the late 2000s. Shown publicly at the Beijing Auto Show and built on Chery's dedicated T12 electric platform, the Q uses a rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels — an unusual layout that most budget-EV rivals skip in favour of front-wheel drive. Chery is targeting a launch price low enough to beat the Geely E2 (currently R339 900) and BYD Dolphin Surf (currently R341 900), positioning the Q as a genuine contender for SA's cheapest EV title when it lands.
Size-wise, the Q measures 4 195 mm long, 1 811 mm wide and 1 573 mm tall, riding on a 2 700 mm wheelbase — noticeably roomier than the Geely E2. A 35-litre front "frunk" and a boot ranging from 375 to 1 450 litres (rear seats folded) round out the practicality case.
Who the Chery Q is aiming at
Chery Q — what's been reported
Powertrain & battery (expected)
| Motor layout | Single motor, rear-wheel drive |
| Power (SA-spec, expected) | ~90 kW |
| Battery options (global) | 29.4 kWh (310 km CLTC) or 41.2 kWh (420 km CLTC) |
| SA-spec battery (expected) | Larger 41.3 kWh pack, up to ~400 km claimed |
Dimensions
| Length | 4 195 mm |
| Width | 1 811 mm |
| Height | 1 573 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 700 mm |
| Front storage ("frunk") | 35 litres |
| Boot space | 375–1 450 litres (seats folded) |
Tech (reported)
| Infotainment | 15.6-inch display expected (larger than Geely E2 and Dolphin Surf) |
| Driver assistance | Level 2 ADAS suite expected as standard |
| Other reported features | Wireless charging, folding electric mirrors, 540-degree camera |
Reserve yours from R5 000
Chery SA has opened pre-orders ahead of the official launch. Qualifying customers choose one of the two offers below (they can't be combined):
Home charging bundle
Power tailgate, a home charging pile, and a portable charger included with your order.
R5 000 charging card or deposit credit
A R5 000 public charging card, or R5 000 off your deposit — only when financed through Chery Finance.
Common questions
We'll cover the official launch live
Follow along for the confirmed Chery Q pricing, specs and first drive — right here on LetsChargeSA and on the ChargeGoEV channel.
