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TechCentral publishes a list, updated quarterly, of all the electric cars available for sale in South Africa, along with their prices, range and performance figures.
Since TechCentral first published the list in December 2022, there have been significant changes, including several new models and, unfortunately, a few price increases, too.
Several manufacturers increased the prices of their EVs in the fourth quarter of last year, and some Mercedes and Audi models that were previously available are no longer sold in the country.
The title of most budget-friendly electric vehicle in South Africa has shifted to the GWM Ora 300, priced at R686 950. This marks a significant change, as the previous most affordable option, the Mini, has seen a price hike, relegating it to fourth place in terms of affordability.
The GWM Ora 300 has generated considerable excitement upon its release. However, recent developments revealed a recall of all Ora vehicles in Australia due to a charging-related fault. As of now, there is no information on a similar recall affecting the model in South Africa.
The Ora, also recognised as Good Cat or Funky Cat in various markets, is an electric hatchback designed by former Porsche designer Emanuel Derta. Its aesthetic evokes memories of the boutique hatchbacks that were abundant in South Africa a decade ago, such as the R56 Mini Cooper and Citroen DS3. The local line-up comprises four distinct models.
This a lesser-known Chinese electric vehicle from the prominent electric car manufacturer BYD, which recently overtook Tesla to become the world''s largest EV maker. In 2022, BYD made waves by selling over 900 000 electric vehicles, primarily in China but also gaining traction globally. The Atto 3, a compact to mid-size electric crossover, is a notable addition to the line-up.
Introducing a new era for Volvo and a departure from their traditional designs, this compact EV marks a significant shift for the Swedish brand as it embraces an all-electric platform. While Volvo labels it a crossover, in essence it embodies the characteristics of a nimble and elevated hatch, breaking away from the larger cars Volvo has been known for over the decades. This one will be a strong seller in South Africa.
BMW Group, which owns Mini, has installed the lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack and the electric motor from the BMW i3 S into a Mini Cooper body. Range is disappointing compared to other models in this list. (The BMW i3 is no longer for sale in South Africa.)
If you decide to go the EV route, the P6 Recharge model offers a more practical solution than the Mini: a vehicle that can travel much further, while maintaining good performance and a wealth of technological and comfort features.
The Maxus T90 EV is an electric bakkie that was launched in 2022, making it one of the first all-electric bakkies available on the local market. It should be a popular choice for businesses and individuals.
Billed by Mercedes as its new entry-level electric model, the Stuttgart-based firm describes the EQA as a "close relation of the GLA", saying it shares that model''s "robust structure".
The BMW iX1 represents the electric iteration of the highly sought-after X1 SUV from the German brand. Based on the latest X1 platform, this compact family option shares design cues with the larger BMW iX flagship model. Equipped with cutting-edge battery technology, the iX1 offers similar appeal to owning the latest smartphone, one that is slightly less advanced than the top-tier version.
The BMW i4 can be likened to a futuristic 4 Series, drawing inspiration from a decade ahead. While sharing a strikingly similar silhouette, this all-electric vehicle boasts a slightly more daring design and a noticeably enhanced interior. The i4 showcases a bolder aesthetic, coupled with advanced electric power, offering a glimpse into the automotive technology of the future.
The Volvo C40 Recharge takes inspiration from the successful XC40 premium compact crossover but adds a sportier appearance. Similar to the Audi Q3 and its stylish counterpart, the Q3 Sportback, Volvo''s latest offering showcases a sloping roofline and tailgate instead of the conventional boxy design at the rear. However, the sleek silhouette is more than just an aesthetic choice. Volvo asserts that the optimised aerodynamics of the vehicle contribute to an extended range for its electric model.
The iX3 M Sport is the all-electric version of BMW''s popular executive SUV, the X3. It claims to retain the best qualities of the X3 in combination with an advanced battery-electric powertrain. Models sold in South Africa are manufactured in China.
Built in Hungary, the EQB measures 4.68m (length) x 1.83m (width) x 1.67m (height), giving it the same lengthy wheelbase of the petrol-and diesel-powered GLB models. Like the GLB, the electric version ships with five seats as standard but is optionally available as a seven-seater.
The German automaker''s attempt to meld its performance attributes with the emerging electric era has resulted in the creation of the BMW i4 M50. It''s the first "battery-electric M car" from BMW.
The BMW iX xDrive40 is the more affordable of the two electric iX vehicles (the iX xDrive50 is featured later in this list). The main distinctions between them are the lithium-ion battery''s capacity and the electric motors'' output: the 385kW iX50 has a larger battery pack and a significantly longer claimed range.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan is an all-electric car that can be seen as a smaller yet unique version of the EQS. These models are essentially electric counterparts to the conventional E-class and S-class models of the brand. The EQE boasts of sleek bodywork and a roomy cabin that shares design elements with the larger EQS, and it also comes equipped with impressive features such as the Hyperscreen — a screen that spans the entire width of the dashboard. Overall, this seems to be an interesting and noteworthy development in the realm of electric vehicles.
The Audi e-tron Sportback 55 features a 95kWh battery, one of the largest on offer. The DC charger charges at 60kW/hour. This equates to around one-and-a-half hours to fully charge the vehicle. However, it is very seldom that you will arrive at the charger with a completely empty battery.
The Porsche Taycan is an attractive electric vehicle. It''s a GT with the heart of a sports car and can thrill you in spades on the right road. What''s more, it''s a genuine Porsche that just so happens to be electric.
The top-of-the-line variant of the iX offers incredible performance for an SUV, pushing the boundaries of what is expected. It successfully combines handling and refinement in a way that surpasses other electric competitors. However, compared to the iX xDrive40 M Sport, this sporty M60 version sacrifices some comfort, efficiency and comes at a higher price. The enhanced sharpness it provides isn''t substantial enough to warrant these compromises.
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic offers the AMG driving experience with advanced technology. The electric motors are tuned and controlled specifically for AMG, and work together with the fully variable all-wheel drive and AMG Ride Control+ chassis to deliver a smart and dynamic driving experience.
Audi''s e-tron in Sportback guise and in all-wheel drive is quick to 100km/h.
The Jaguar I-Pace, which was introduced in South Africa at the end of 2018, has served as something of a trailblazer for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the republic. There aren''t any significant visual changes (aside from the slightly modified grille), but the BEV''s infotainment system has been updated, it charges more quickly, and new driver assistance technologies have been added – all small but important adjustments to keep the Jaguar on the cutting edge.
The EQS is not an electrified S-Class, but rather an S-Class-sized luxury saloon riding on a new platform big enough to contain a massive 107.8kWh battery in its enormous wheelbase. It''s a 5m-long riposte to all the EV newcomers. Mercedes is here for the new era, and it''s thrown everything it''s got at this flagship.
The "entry level" e-tron GT quattro and the full-fat RS e-tron GT — later in this list — are the only two variants of the vehicle, at least initially. Both feature a 93kWh battery as standard – no shorter-range 79kWh or rear-wheel drive option like the Taycan here.
The EQS 450+ sedan in AMG cladding.
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