BYD Seems To Be Ramping Up Activity In South Africa - CleanTechnica

BYD, the world’s leading battery-electric vehicle (BEV) seller, is intensifying its efforts in South Africa, a key market in Africa with over half a million new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales annually but only about 1,000 new BEVs sold each year. Historically, high import duties and limited affordable BEV options have constrained electric vehicle adoption in South Africa. BYD aims to change this with more affordable models like the Dolphin Surf (locally known as the Seagull) and the Shark 06 plug-in hybrid pickup truck, which align well with South African consumer preferences, especially for pickups. Although BYD South Africa does not release official sales data, anecdotal evidence suggests growing visibility and sales of BYD vehicles on local roads. In addition to vehicle launches, BYD has recently partnered with Eskom, South Africa’s national electricity utility, to support the country’s transition to cleaner transport and expand public EV charging infrastructure. This collaboration also focuses on local skills