Right-hand drive
Geely & Zeekr — what's actually available.

Right-hand drive versus left-hand drive sounds like a simple binary. In practice it's three categories — factory RHD, factory LHD with RHD planned, and LHD-only — and the distinction affects everything from homologation to resale to crash safety.

The three RHD categories

Category A — Factory RHD from launch

The model was designed with RHD production from launch. Symmetric dashboard molds. Proper steering column engineering. Correct pedal geometry. Brake servo positioning designed for RHD. Wiring harnesses with RHD-specific part numbers. This is the only category we sell into RHD markets.

Category B — LHD at launch, RHD added later

The model launched in LHD, RHD was engineered and added 1–2 years later. Quality of the RHD version depends on how well the retrofit was executed. Typically fine in practice but worth confirming model-year-specifically.

Category C — LHD-only, no factory RHD

No factory RHD version exists. Any RHD vehicle you see with this model was converted aftermarket — and aftermarket RHD conversions are never equivalent to factory. We don't sell these into RHD markets.

What factory RHD actually involves

A factory-engineered RHD vehicle has:

• A dashboard molded for RHD, not LHD with stickers covering the holes
• Correctly oriented instrument panel and controls
• Proper steering column shaft geometry to clear the firewall on the right side
• Pedal assembly engineered for RHD — not mirrored parts from the LHD assembly
• Brake servo positioning that works with the RHD engine bay layout
• Wiring harnesses with RHD-specific routing and part numbers
• Windscreen wiper geometry appropriate for RHD driver position
• Airbag deployment patterns certified for RHD occupant positioning

Aftermarket conversions typically get the visible stuff right and the safety-critical stuff wrong.

Chinese EVs with factory RHD in 2026

In our current Geely Group portfolio, factory RHD status breaks down as follows:

• Zeekr X — factory RHD confirmed, sold in UK, Australia, NZ, Malaysia, Hong Kong.
• Geely EX5 — developed in LHD and RHD simultaneously. Factory RHD for global export including UK, Australia, ASEAN. Sold in Malaysia as Proton eMas 7.
• Geely Coolray — factory RHD widespread for over a decade. Proven in UK, Australia, SEA markets.
• Geely Emgrand — factory RHD for select markets.
• Geely Starray EM-i — RHD on factory allocation; LHD primary.
• Zeekr 001 & 007 — factory RHD available; Zeekr UK launched 2025.
• Geely Galaxy L7 — LHD primary; RHD on allocation.
• Geely EX2 — factory RHD available.

For specific model-year RHD availability, ask us during RFQ. We confirm factory RHD status in writing before you sign.

Why aftermarket RHD is disqualifying

Every reason to avoid aftermarket RHD conversions:

• Fails most homologation inspections. UK IVA, Australian ADR compliance, South African NATIS inspections routinely fail aftermarket conversions.
• Voids manufacturer warranty. The factory doesn't warrant what the conversion shop did to your car.
• Destroys resale value. Used-car buyers in RHD markets discount aftermarket conversions heavily — and informed buyers refuse them entirely.
• Insurance complications. Some insurers in RHD markets refuse to insure converted vehicles; others charge punitive premiums.
• Safety system mis-calibration. Airbags, crumple zones, ABS/stability tuning — all calibrated for original driver-seat position. Moving the driver without redoing the calibrations is genuinely unsafe.

Our rule: if a customer asks for a specific Chinese model that doesn't have factory RHD, we decline rather than source an aftermarket-converted unit. If you find a Chinese vehicle broker offering aftermarket RHD conversions as a service, walk away.