Chery is gearing up to launch its first-ever EV in SA. We’ve been behind the wheel of the Chery Q in Cape Town. First impressions here…
What is the Chery Q?
The local introduction of the Q signifies the arrival of the first-ever Chery-branded electric vehicle (EV) in South Africa. (The first all-electric Chery Group product to arrive in our market was the characterful iCaur V23, which we sampled in June 2026, followed by the iCaur 03T and the Jaecoo J5 BEV.)
According to the Chinese automaker, “The Q has been developed to make electric driving a realistic option for more South Africans.” When the Q officially launches in our market, it will be one of the most affordable EVs in SA; the title currently held by the Geely E2.
The Q will be available with the choice of two trim grades, Comfort and Elite, and a single powertrain option. The opening gambit to the two-strong lineup, the Comfort model is equipped with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrumentation, front and rear radar system, and an electrically operated tailgate. Comfort spec includes 16-inch wheels. Serving as the flagship derivative in the range, the Elite variant upgrades to a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and gains electric adjustment for the driver’s pew, electric opening/closing functionality for the front luggage compartment, or ‘frunk’ (front trunk), a more comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and 17-inch alloys.
The Q’s rear-mounted electric motor produces 90 kW; making it 5 kW and 35 kW more powerful than the Geely E2 and BYD Dolphin Surf, respectively. However, the former two models are endowed with more torque – 150 N.m (E2) and 135 N.m (Dolphin Surf) compared to the Q’s 115 N.m. The Q is equipped with a 42.7 kWh battery pack, which offers a claimed operating range of up to 400 km (NEDC). For comparison, the E2’s 39.4 kWh battery offers a claimed range of up to 325 km, while the Dolphin Surf Comfort and Dynamic’s respective 30.1 kWh and 38.9 kWh items offer up to 300 km and 400 km, respectively. Chery claims an average energy consumption of 12 kWh/100 km for the Q.
The Q measures 4 195 mm in length and 1 811 mm in width; making it 60 mm longer and 6 mm wider than the Geely E2. Compared to the latter, the Q’s wheelbase is longer, too – 2 700 vs 2 650 mm. (The Dolphin Surf is 3 925 mm long and 1 720 mm wide, with a wheelbase spanning 2 500 mm.) Chery claims a boot capacity of 375 litres, which expands to 1 450 litres when folding down the rear backrests, with an addition 70 litres of packing space available in the ‘frunk’.
What does the Chery Q cost?
While Chery has yet to release official local pricing for the Q lineup, the Wuhu brand’s local arm has revealed a starting price – R350 000. The Elite model will be priced from “just below” R400 000, the firm says.
What are the Chery Q’s rivals?
As you may have gathered, the Q’s main rivals come in the shape of the Geely E2 (from R339 900) and BYD Dolphin Surf (from R341 900) in the value-oriented EV segment. The Q also competes against the Dongfeng Box. Priced from R349 000, the Box’s front-mounted electric motor produces 70 kW and 160 N.m, with its 43.9 kWh battery offering a claimed operating range of up to 430 km.
Chery Q review
While our Cape Town-based route was admittedly short, it did give us a glimpse of how the Q performs in the setting it will arguably call “home” – urban environments. The Chery’s throttle and braking response are pleasingly progressive, and the steering setup is well-weighted – light yet sharp; making manoeuvring around town a fuss-free affair. The latter is aided by a tight turning circle. The ride quality is pliant, with the all-around independent suspension setup soaking up most road imperfections with aplomb.
Thanks to the Elite model’s electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dialling in a comfortable driving position is a cinch. Interior comfort is further enhanced thanks to the cabin’s solid construction, with little to no wind and road noise permeating the cabin.
Verdict
While the overall uptake of EVs in SA arguably remains relatively slow, the introduction of value-oriented models – such as the BYD Dolphin Surf and Geely E2, and soon, the Chery Q – to our market, and increases in fuel prices (with another fuel price hike expected for September 2026), has arguably changed our perception of the benefits of all-electric motoring. In addition to their accessible price points, there’s a lot to like about EVs of this ilk. With the Q, Chery – the best-selling Chinese passenger-car brand in SA – should have another winner on its hands. The Q is pleasing to drive, feels spacious, and packs oodles of kit as standard. Chery’s dealership network also counts in its favour.
Chery Q specifications
- Price: from R350 000
- Powertrain: single electric motor
- Transmission: single-speed automatic
- Driven wheels: rear
- Power: 90 kW
- Torque: 115 N.m
- Top speed: 138 km/h
- Energy consumption: 12 kWh/100 km (claimed)
- Range: 400 km (claimed)
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