Renault Geely do Brasil announced that the EX2 electric hatch will begin to be manufactured at the Ayrton Senna Complex, in São José dos Pinhais (PR), by the end of 2026. The decision was taken after the model surprised with strong demand since its launch, in mid-November 2025.
In May, the EX2 recorded 4,321 registrations, a performance that exceeded the brand’s initial expectations and placed it as a strong competitor to the BYD Dolphin Mini in the affordable electric hatchback segment. In total since its arrival in the country, the model has already sold around 12,839 units.
Local production takes place in the CVU (Curitiba Utility Vehicles) area of the Paraná complex, which currently assembles the Renault Master van and the Oroch pickup truck. The measure aims to protect the car from the scheduled increase in Import Tax, which reaches 35% for electric vehicles in July 2026.
Commercial success accelerates brand plans
Renault Geely do Brasil confirmed the nationalization of the EX2 after high demand exceeded projections. Initially, plans for the factory prioritized more expensive models, such as the SUV EX5 DM-i (or EM-i), but the good performance of the electric hatch changed the schedule.
Ariel Montenegro, president of Renault Geely do Brasil, highlighted in recent interviews that the decision is strategic to meet the volume of orders and maintain competitive prices. The production of the EX2 does not interfere with plans for the plug-in hybrid EX5, which should also come out of the same unit in 2026.
What is the EX2 like and what changes with nationalization
Known in China as Xingyuan, the EX2 is derived from the GEA platform, optimized for electric vehicles. It measures 4,135 mm in length, has a wheelbase of 2,650 mm and weighs around 1,300 kg — light for the category, which favors performance and efficiency in urban use.
The model offers two versions: Pro (R$ 123,800) and Max (R$ 136,800). Both use a 116 hp and 15.3 kgfm rear engine, with a 40.2 kWh LFP battery (39.4 useful kWh), which guarantees 289 km of autonomy according to Inmetro. The rear trunk has 375 liters, plus 70 liters in the front trunk.
As standard in the entry-level version, the EX2 features six airbags, 14.6-inch multimedia, 8.8-inch digital cluster and air conditioning with outlet for the rear seat. The Max adds a complete ADAS package, with autonomous braking, lane warning and adaptive pilot.
Impact of taxes and competition with BYD
The nationalization of the EX2 gains even more relevance with the gradual readjustment of taxes on imported goods. From July 2026, electric cars will face a 35% tax rate, which would make models that are still 100% imported more expensive. Local production allows Geely to maintain more stable prices and scale volume.
While BYD already produces the Dolphin in Camaçari (BA) with an initial SKD system, Geely plans a more advanced process for the EX2, including painting and assembly of parts, with only welding and pending details — a stage superior to its rival in some aspects.
The EX2 already leads electric vehicle sales in six states (PB, PE, PI, PR, RN and SE) and appears in second or third place in national retail in May, behind only models like the Dolphin Mini.