The BYD (EV) Thread

7 most affordable PHEVs in South Africa (2026)

Looking for the most affordable PHEVs on the market in South Africa right now? Here are the 7 most accessible plug-in hybrid options.

South Africa’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) segment has grown rapidly over the past year or so. Several Chinese brands have moved into this space, seeing the segment’s entry point – which not long ago was more than R1 million – drop dramatically. These, then, are SA’s 7 most affordable PHEVs (all pricing is correct as of February 2026).

1. BYD Sealion 5 – from R499 900

2. Chery Tiggo 7 1.5T CSH – from R599 900

3. Geely E5 EM-i – from R599 999

4. BYD Sealion 6 – from R639 900

5=. Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS – from R689 900

5=. Omoda C7 1.5T SHS – from R689 900

7. Chery Tiggo 8 1.5T CSH Apex – from R729 900

 
BYD teases the Song Ultra as some of its specs surface through a certification

BYD is currently putting the finishing touches on the Song Ultra. The company has started teasing the car in China with the two images you can see below, revealing the Song Ultra's front and side.

According to compulsory filings with the Chinese MIIT, the Song Ultra has two battery options: 75.6kWh with a CLTC range of 620 km and 82.7kWh with a CLTC range of 710 km.

 
I just returned from a short trip to mainland Thailand. I was surprised at how many BYDs are on the road there - Atto 3, Dolphin and Sealion 6
I figured out why there are so many BYDs in Thailand - BYD have a plant there. Also, pricing is insanely good.

BYD Dolphin: ~฿699,999 (Standard), ~฿859,999 (Extended).
BYD Atto 3: ~฿629,900 - ฿699,900
BYD M6: ~฿829,900 (Dynamic) - ฿929,900 (Extended).
BYD Seal: ~฿999,900 (Dynamic) - ~฿1,199,900 (Performance AWD)
BYD Shark 6 (PHEV): ~฿1,699,000.

1 ZAR is bang on 2 Bhat, divide by two to get Rand.

I'd definitely buy an Atto 3 at R315 000 new.
 
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