CarPlay Just Landed on One of the World’s Fastest-Growing EVs

If you drive an EV, chances are Apple CarPlay is high on your wish list — and one of the world’s hottest new electric SUVs just added it in a big way.

Meet the Geely EX5 (a Rising Global Star)

You may not have heard of Geely, but the company is a powerhouse overseas. It owns or has ties to Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and Smart, and now it’s making waves with its new electric SUV: the EX5 (sold in China as the Galaxy E5).

Launched in mid-2024, the EX5 has already become a hit:

• Sold 100,000 units in China in just six months
• Surpassed 150,000 global deliveries by mid-2025
• Ranked as Australia’s 4th best-selling EV this summer, behind only Tesla and BYD

CarPlay Arrives — For Free

This week, Geely rolled out a free over-the-air update that brings Apple CarPlay (both wired and wireless) to EX5 drivers in Australia. While it’s only available there for now, it’s a clear sign that CarPlay will be part of the EX5’s expansion as it reaches more global markets.

Interestingly, Geely says Android Auto isn’t coming until early 2026 — meaning Apple users get the first big upgrade.

Why It Matters for U.S. Drivers

Even though the EX5 isn’t sold in the U.S. yet, it’s part of a bigger trend: EV makers racing to add familiar tech like CarPlay that drivers already love. And with iOS 26 arriving next month, CarPlay itself is getting its biggest refresh in years — complete with customizable app icons, widgets, and a cleaner interface.

That means when Geely (or its partner brands like Volvo or Polestar) bring the EX5 or similar models stateside, drivers may get a polished, CarPlay-ready experience right out of the box.