Discover the latest electric cars for sale in South Africa, along with their prices, range, and performance figures. Find out which models are the most affordable and which offer the best features for your money.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. The updated list for the second quarter of 2023 includes the new EQE series from Mercedes-Benz, while some manufacturers have increased the prices of their EVs.
Unfortunately, South Africans continue to pay high prices for EVs due to higher import duties imposed by the government compared to vehicles that use fossil fuels. The Automotive Business Council, also known as Naamsa, has called on the government to subsidize South Africans up to R80,000 and reduce import duties from 25% to 18%.
Electric Cars for Sale in South Africa: Prices, Range, and Performance Figures in 2023
Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door:
The Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door is the most affordable new fully electric vehicle in South Africa, with a recommended price of R742,102. The vehicle features a lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack and an electric motor from the BMW i3 S installed into a Mini Cooper body. However, its range is disappointing compared to other models on this list.
Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge Plus:
Priced at R1.075-million, the Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge Plus offers a more practical solution than the Mini Cooper, as it can travel much further while maintaining good performance and comfort features. The vehicle can travel up to 423km on a single charge.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive and EQA 250 AMG Line:
The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 is the brand’s new entry-level electric model, priced at R1.174-million and R1.227-million, respectively. The EQA is a close relation of the GLA, sharing the model’s robust structure, with a power of 140kW and a top speed of 160km/h. It claims to offer up to 486km of range.
Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD:
Priced at R1.26-million, the Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD is much more powerful, producing 300kW at peak, with a top speed of 180km/h. It can travel up to 400km on a single charge.
BMW iX3 M Sport:
Priced at R1.306-million, the BMW iX3 M Sport is the all-electric version of BMW’s popular executive SUV, the X3. It retains the best qualities of the X3 in combination with an advanced battery-electric powertrain, with a power of 210kW and a top speed of 180km/h. It can travel up to 460km on a single charge.
Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic Progressive, EQB 350 4Matic AMG Line, and EQB 350 4Matic Edition 1:
The Mercedes-Benz EQB, priced at R1.379-million, R1.432-million, and R1.523-million, respectively, has a power of 215kW and a top speed of 160km/h. Built in Hungary, it measures 4.68m (length) x 1.83m (width) x 1.67m (height), with a claimed range of up to 485km.
The most affordable EV available in South Africa is the Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door. All other EV models cost more than R1-million, making EVs a luxury item in the country. The range of EVs is still limited compared to fossil-fuelled vehicles, but it is improving, and the government’s potential subsidies and reduced import duties could make EVs more accessible to South Africans.
The Future of Electric Cars in Africa
The future of electric cars in Africa is promising. While the continent is known for its challenging road infrastructure, the adoption of electric cars will create a new wave of innovation and development in the automotive industry. Here are some of the factors that make Africa a promising market for electric cars.
- Environmental concerns
Many African countries are grappling with pollution and environmental degradation, especially in urban areas. The adoption of electric cars will significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. With the increasing awareness of climate change and the need to protect the environment, electric cars are becoming more appealing to African consumers.
- Decreasing costs
The cost of producing and buying electric cars is gradually decreasing. As the technology becomes more widespread and production volumes increase, the price of electric cars is becoming more affordable. This makes electric cars a viable option for many African consumers.
- Government incentives
Many African governments are promoting the adoption of electric cars by offering incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and reduced import duties. This makes electric cars more accessible to the general public and encourages manufacturers to invest in the African market.
- Infrastructure development
The development of charging stations and infrastructure for electric cars is increasing in Africa. This will ease the concerns of range anxiety among potential buyers and increase the practicality of owning an electric car. As infrastructure development continues, the adoption of electric cars in Africa will become more widespread.
- Local manufacturing
Many international car manufacturers are looking to set up manufacturing plants in Africa to cater to the growing demand for electric cars. This will create job opportunities, promote technology transfer, and stimulate economic growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of electric cars in Africa is bright. With environmental concerns, decreasing costs, government incentives, infrastructure development, and local manufacturing, the adoption of electric cars in Africa is inevitable. As the automotive industry evolves, the African market will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of electric cars.
