CHARGE Calls On South African Finance Minister To Address EV Duties & Fund Renewable Charging Infrastructure In 2026 Budget - CleanTechnica

Ahead of South Africa’s 2026 Budget Speech, the advocacy group Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) urged Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to reduce import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) to align with those on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and eliminate the ad valorem tax on EVs. Currently, EVs face a 25% customs duty compared to 18% for petrol and diesel vehicles, contributing to high prices and limited affordability. CHARGE highlighted that several African countries, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Zambia, have lowered or removed import duties on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to encourage adoption. Despite some new, more affordable EV models entering the South African market, BEV sales declined 17% year-over-year in 2025, making up only 0.17% of total vehicle sales, underscoring the urgent need for policy reform to boost EV uptake. CHARGE also called for dedicated government funding to develop off-grid, solar-powered EV charging