5,600 € and 426,000 units sold: BYD’s biggest rival’s unexpected electric vehicle to be manufactured in Valencia

07/09/2026 13:30

Updated to

07/09/2026 13:30

Geely entered Spain just a few months ago, but with its SUVs — selling one hybrid model with 1,000 km of range for 25,125 € — it has already established itself in our country. Its reputation grew even more when it announced it would manufacture an unexpected SUV alongside Ford at the plant in Almussafes, Valencia. It will also use Volvo’s factories.

But Geely, now BYD’s biggest rival in China and beyond, doesn’t just sell SUVs: this business is its real gold mine. Moreover, one of its best-selling models offers up to 345 km of range and seems likely to be produced in Valencia as well. Another electric vehicle it launched has been a huge success, selling 426,000 units in three years. That’s understandable since it costs as little as 5,600 euros equivalent.

Priced at 5,600 €, an electric city car rivaling China’s best-selling model

In China, the best-selling car is the aforementioned E2, which Geely might produce in Valencia. Thanks to it, Geely even surpassed BYD in sales. But another electric car that is doing extremely well in sales is the unexpected city electric vehicle made by General Motors. And Geely, of course, also launched its own alternative priced at 5,600 euros as a rival to it.

It was launched three years ago, and with over 426,000 units sold since then, BYD’s biggest rival has been doing quite well. It’s called the Geely Panda Mini, and like GM’s electric vehicle, it’s a car designed primarily for urban use. In fact, it’s only 3.1 meters long, offers 4 seats in a 3-seater body, and has a range of 210 km according to the CLTC standard—172 km per the Western WLTP cycle. This range is thanks to a 17.2 kWh battery manufactured by CATL, which takes about half an hour to charge from 30% to 80%.

The other features of this unexpected best-seller from Geely are equally unusual—if not almost ridiculous—compared to those of larger Chinese hybrid and electric SUVs. It can reach 100 km/h thanks to a single 40 HP engine and is equipped with an 8-inch multimedia screen.

However, this unexpectedly successful model—popular among younger Chinese drivers—has passed as many as 76 safety tests and is sold at an astonishingly low price: starting at just 5,600 euros, which is equivalent to its listed price of 43,900 yuan.

Restyled and on sale due to declining demand

Now, BYD’s main rival is releasing a minor update to this model and, more importantly, reviving its Kart Edition version — which it launched in 2024. Why? Because while it sold a staggering 426,000 units over three years, sales dropped by 77% in the first half of 2026, falling to just 76,000 units.

That’s why Geely is offering this car starting at 43,900 yuan or 5,600 euros at the current exchange rate — its regular price starts at 49,900 yuan or 6,400 euros. It’s also why Geely is updating this “sports” version, which features a front spoiler, a large rear wing, and 14-inch tires.

Inside, available in both black and white as well as pink and white; this urban electric vehicle remains unchanged, featuring a 9.2” digital dashboard, an 8” central screen, and standard equipment that includes both a rear camera and parking sensors. Incidentally, the trunk volume is equally unexpected or ridiculous: only 69 liters.