Geely Auto confirmed plans to launch in the UK before the end of 2025, adding another Chinese brand to the country’s expanding electric vehicle market.
The company serves as the core automotive division of Geely Holdings – the Chinese conglomerate that owns Volvo, Lotus, Polestar and Zeekr. Geely Auto will enter the UK market with the EX5, an all-electric SUV designed to compete against established models like the Skoda Enyaq, Ford Explorer and Kia EV6.
The EX5 will also face competition from other Chinese manufacturers already making inroads in the UK market.
Lotus Engineering Partnership
Technical specifications for the UK version remain limited, but Geely Auto has revealed that Lotus Engineering conducted testing to ensure the vehicle meets British driving standards. The partnership leveraged Lotus’s expertise to adapt the EX5 for UK road conditions and driver expectations.
“We know the Geely EX5 is a great product with several core features that will appeal to a British audience,” said Mike Yang, general manager at Geely Auto UK.
“That’s why we chose it to be our first passenger car for sale in the UK. However, we’re aware that UK customers have unique demands.”
Yang emphasized the company’s commitment to market-specific adaptation before the vehicle’s official launch.
The UK-spec EX5 will likely mirror configurations available in other markets, featuring a 215bhp front-mounted motor and two battery options. The base model uses a 49.5kWh battery pack, while the extended-range variant includes a 60.2kWh battery delivering up to 264 miles of driving range.
DC fast charging capabilities reach 100kW – though this falls short of some competitors in the mid-size electric SUV segment.
Market Strategy
Geely Auto plans to establish independent retail and support networks rather than utilizing existing Geely Holdings infrastructure in the UK. The company has initiated customer research sessions, particularly targeting fleet buyers to understand specific market requirements.
“Before we release the car for sale, we’re working with the experts at Lotus Engineering to make sure we have a car that’s in line with expectations,” Yang added.
Orders for the Geely EX5 are expected to open during summer 2024, with first deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter. The launch represents Geely Auto’s first passenger vehicle entry into the UK market, following the brand’s “one country, one policy” approach to international expansion.
The EX5 is currently available in multiple global markets, providing Geely Auto with operational experience before entering the competitive UK electric vehicle landscape.
