Articles tagged with "South-Africa"
BEV Sales Down 17% In South Africa In 2025 - CleanTechnica
In 2025, South Africa’s overall vehicle market experienced significant growth, reaching its highest sales levels in over a decade with 596,818 vehicles sold—a 15.7% increase from 2024. This growth was supported by economic improvements, interest rate cuts, record-low vehicle inflation, and an influx of affordable imports. Despite this positive environment, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales declined by 17%, dropping from 1,231 units in 2024 to just 1,018 units in 2025, representing a mere 0.17% of total vehicle sales. Traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) also saw a decline, with sales falling 6% to 12,751 units. Conversely, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) experienced explosive growth, with sales increasing 280% from 738 units in 2024 to 2,808 units in 2025, indicating strong consumer preference for vehicles that offer extended electric
energybattery-electric-vehiclesBEV-salesplug-in-hybridsautomotive-marketSouth-Africaelectric-vehiclesChinese Vehicles Are Gaining Serious Traction in South Africa’s Overall Used Vehicle Market - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant shift in South Africa’s used vehicle market, where Chinese automotive brands are gaining substantial traction. Historically dominated by European, American, Japanese, and Korean manufacturers, the market is now seeing increased consumer confidence in Chinese vehicles such as those from Chery, Haval, and Omoda. This change is driven by improved perceptions of quality, safety, and driving experience, alongside competitive pricing and better equipment offerings. Chinese brands have moved from being viewed skeptically to becoming major players, with Chery ranking fourth in new vehicle sales in 2025, just behind Toyota, Volkswagen, and Suzuki. This growing acceptance extends to the used car market, where Chinese vehicles are increasingly popular due to their value for money and improving after-sales support infrastructure. AutoTrader South Africa data from 2025 shows that the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro leads used Chinese vehicle sales, followed by the Haval Jolion, reflecting strong demand for these models. The Tiggo
electric-vehiclesPHEVBEVChinese-automotive-brandsused-vehicle-marketSouth-Africaautomotive-energy-transitionPHEV Sales Up 280% In 2025 In South Africa, While HEVs Down 6% As Chinese Brands Grow Market Share - CleanTechnica
In 2025, South Africa experienced a significant surge in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales, which increased by 280% compared to 2024, rising from 738 to 2,808 units sold. This growth occurred amid a 16% overall increase in new vehicle sales, with PHEVs capturing a 0.47% market share. Conversely, traditional hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales declined by 6%, dropping from 13,552 units in 2024 to 12,751 in 2025. The rise in PHEV popularity is largely driven by the availability of more affordable models with longer electric ranges, particularly from Chinese manufacturers such as Great Wall Motors (GWM) and Chery, who dominate the top-selling PHEV models in the country. Great Wall Motors’ Haval H6 PHEV led the market with 448 units sold, nearly matching its HEV counterpart’s 512 units, indicating a consumer
energyplug-in-hybrid-vehiclesPHEV-saleselectric-vehiclesautomotive-marketSouth-Africahybrid-electric-vehiclesUnderstanding EV Charging Tariffs In South Africa: Here’s What You’ll Pay To Power Your Electric Vehicle - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses the current state of electric vehicle (EV) charging tariffs in South Africa, highlighting the need for greater awareness and accessible information about EV charging costs compared to the well-established fossil fuel pricing ecosystem. Unlike petrol and diesel prices, which are widely and transparently available, EV charging tariffs remain less visible to both current and prospective EV drivers. This gap in information accessibility is a barrier to wider EV adoption and understanding. Focusing on South Africa, the article explains that public EV charging tariffs currently operate on flat-rate structures, with no time-of-use or dynamic pricing in place. As of August 2025, the standard tariffs are approximately R7.00 to R7.35 per kWh for DC fast charging, depending on the e-mobility service provider (eMSP), and around R5.88 per kWh for AC charging. These rates vary slightly between providers such as Rubicon and GridCars, with Rubicon customers generally benefiting from lower DC charging
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-chargingcharging-tariffsSouth-Africaelectric-mobilitycharging-infrastructureSouth Africa’s Used EV Market Accelerates - Volvo EX30 & XC40 Most Popular - CleanTechnica
South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market remains relatively small, with just over 4,000 fully electric vehicles on the road, largely due to historically high prices that limited accessibility. However, recent developments indicate growing consumer interest and market expansion. Surveys show that a majority of South Africans are open to purchasing EVs within five years, with many willing to spend up to R600,000 (~$34,000), a threshold that new EV offerings are beginning to meet. This increased availability of more affordable models is helping to broaden access and stimulate growth in both new and used EV markets. Data from AutoTrader South Africa reveals a 65% year-on-year increase in battery-electric vehicle sales in the first half of 2025, signaling a shift beyond early adopters. Premium models dominate used EV sales, with Volvo’s EX30 and XC40 Recharge leading in popularity due to their reliability, practicality, and brand familiarity. Conversely, the Great Wall Motors (GWM) Ora 03, despite
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-marketbattery-electric-vehiclesSouth-Africaclean-energysustainable-transportationBYD 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
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electric-vehiclesplug-in-hybrid-EVsBYDSouth-AfricadecarbonizationBEV Listings in South Africa’s Used Vehicle Market up 63% Year on Year (January to June 2025) - CleanTechnica
Between January and June 2025, South Africa’s used battery electric vehicle (BEV) market experienced significant growth, with BEV listings increasing by 63% year-on-year and sold BEVs rising by 65%. This expansion is driven primarily by the introduction of new BEV models and variants that address consumer needs, leading to increased advert views, supply, and sales. Notably, the Volvo EX30 emerged as the most sold BEV during this period, reflecting its strong presence in the new BEV market over the past two years. The average sold price of BEVs was about 5% lower than the average listing price, indicating active price negotiations between buyers and sellers. Despite this growth, South Africa’s BEV market remains constrained by high import duties and taxes, which are higher for electric vehicles (25%) than for petrol and diesel vehicles (18%). This has historically limited BEV availability to premium models priced well above R1 million, making them inaccessible to most buyers seeking vehicles
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electric-vehiclesBEV-marketSouth-AfricaEV-adoptionimport-dutiesChinese Automakers Are Reshaping South Africa’s Used Car Market - CleanTechnica
South Africa’s used car market is undergoing significant changes, driven by a combination of interest rate cuts and the rising presence of Chinese automakers. Following two interest rate reductions in early 2025, borrowing costs have decreased, boosting used car sales by 7% in the first half of the year compared to 2024, with over 181,000 vehicles sold generating R75.85 billion in revenue. While traditional brands from Germany, Japan, Europe, South Korea, and the U.S. have long dominated the market, Chinese brands like BYD, Omoda, and Jaecoo have seen their used car sales surge by 89% in H1 2025, albeit from a relatively small base. Chinese automakers are also influencing the market through their introduction of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), a segment that has historically struggled in South Africa. More PHEVs were sold in the first half of 2025 than in the entire previous year, with Chinese
energyelectric-vehiclesplug-in-hybridsChinese-automakersautomotive-marketSouth-Africaclean-energy-vehiclesThe EVs On Display Event Highlights The Progress Made In South Africa’s Electric Mobility Sector - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the gradual progress of South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, emphasizing the challenges and improvements over the past several years. Around six to seven years ago, the author experienced firsthand the difficulty of accessing electric vehicles in Johannesburg, despite positive attitudes from companies toward EV rentals. At that time, the availability of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for rental or lease was extremely limited due to low market penetration, early technical issues with models like the Nissan Leaf, and insufficient charging infrastructure. BMW South Africa was one of the few companies actively promoting EVs, with its i3 model becoming the top-selling electric vehicle in the country for a period. Several factors have contributed to the slow adoption of BEVs in South Africa, including a limited variety of models available, high import duties and taxes on electric vehicles (25% customs duty compared to 18% for petrol/diesel vehicles), and overall market conditions. Despite these challenges, the range of BEVs offered in South Africa
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-charging-infrastructurebattery-technologyelectric-mobilitySouth-Africaclean-energyToyota Could Help Accelerate Transition To Electric If It Promoted More Plug-Ins in South Africa - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the slow adoption of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in South Africa, where BEVs accounted for only 0.24% of the 2024 vehicle market, with just 3,212 BEVs sold since 2018. BMW South Africa has been a pioneering promoter of electric vehicles since 2015, consistently introducing BEVs like the i3, iX3, iX, and MINI Cooper SE, maintaining a strong presence in the market. Volvo has also made significant inroads with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and BEVs, with the Volvo EX30 leading BEV sales in early 2025. However, high import duties and taxes on electric vehicles—25% customs duty on EVs compared to 18% on petrol/diesel vehicles—pose a major barrier to wider EV adoption. This has even deterred Tesla from entering the South African market. While BMW, Volvo, and emerging brands like Chery, Omoda, Jaec
energyelectric-vehiclesplug-in-hybridsbattery-electric-vehiclesSouth-Africaautomotive-marketclean-energySouth Africa’s Automotive Landscape Is Changing, And That Is A Good Thing - CleanTechnica
The South African automotive market is undergoing a significant shift with the increased introduction and sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In 2024, PHEV sales doubled to 737 units from 368 in 2023, though they still represented only 0.14% of total vehicle sales. BMW led the market with its X1 and X3 PHEVs, the latter being locally manufactured in Pretoria, alongside the Ford Ranger PHEV. This local production is a positive development for South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector, which has traditionally focused on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Despite ongoing debates about the relevance of PHEVs given advances in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), PHEVs remain important in niches where BEVs may not fully meet user needs, offering lower pollution than conventional hybrids and diesel vehicles when used as intended. The momentum for PHEVs accelerated further in the first half of 2025, with 788 units sold—surpassing the
energyelectric-vehiclesplug-in-hybridautomotive-industrySouth-Africarenewable-energybattery-technologyCan the New Wave of BEV & PHEV Pickups Boost EV Sales in South Africa? - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the significance of pickups in South Africa’s vehicle market, where models like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max dominate sales charts. In June 2025, the Toyota Hilux led with 3,035 units sold, followed by the Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max, underscoring the popularity of pickups in the country. Despite this, electric vehicle (EV) adoption remains very low, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for only 0.24% of total vehicle sales in 2024 (1,257 units), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) making up just 0.14% (737 units). The slow growth is attributed to limited BEV model availability, high import duties, and taxes on EVs. Notably, no BEV or PHEV pickups were available in South Africa until recently, despite pickups being a top-selling segment. The situation is beginning to change in 2025
energyelectric-vehiclesBEVPHEVautomotive-marketSouth-Africaclean-technology3,000km EV Road Trip From Johannesburg To Simola Hillclimb To Raise EV Awareness In South Africa - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the challenges and emerging progress of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in South Africa, where high import duties, taxes, and limited BEV model availability have kept prices significantly higher than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. For instance, EV import taxes reach 25%, compared to 18% for ICE vehicles, and an additional ad valorem tax often doubles the cost of EVs relative to similar ICE models. This has resulted in the South African EV market being dominated by premium models, though more affordable options like the BYD Dolphin and Volvo EX30—currently the country’s bestselling BEV—are beginning to enter the market, signaling a gradual shift. To promote EV awareness and demonstrate their practicality, Ryan Jarrett undertook a 3,000 km roundtrip electric road trip from Johannesburg to the Simola Hillclimb event in a Volvo EX30. Covering multiple provinces and diverse environments, Jarrett’s journey included strategic charging stops and showcased the ease of long-distance EV travel within South Africa. The event itself featured EVs competing successfully, with some ranking among the fastest cars up the hill, underscoring the growing presence and performance of electric mobility in the country. Such initiatives aim to accelerate EV adoption by raising public awareness and confidence in electric vehicles as viable alternatives to ICE cars in South Africa.
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-adoptionbattery-electric-vehiclesclean-transportationSouth-AfricaEV-awareness