Seven new electric cars coming to South Africa — including a double-cab bakkie
There are at least seven new electric vehicle (EV) models launching in South Africa in 2024, according to the latest confirmed rollout plans from major car brands in the country.
Unfortunately, none of the vehicle manufacturers with local plants or those with models regularly in the top 10 South African sales rankings have confirmed whether any of their new EVs will be hitting dealerships.
Many automotive players are likely waiting with bated breath for the government to announce incentives and subsidies for the industry at the 2023 Budget Speech in February 2024.
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana promised measures to assist and protect the industry in the new energy vehicles transition in November 2023.
While government’s plans are still unclear, industry bodies like the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) have called for subsidies of up to R80,000 per EV to encourage local adoption.
Some carmakers likely view these potential price cuts as critical in convincing customers to buy electric cars.
As it stands, it is primarily smaller brands with lower volumes that are making ambitious moves with their EV offerings in South Africa next year.
Three of the new EVs confirmed for local rollout will be from manufacturers that have never offered an EV in the country — Jac, Lotus, and Maserati.
The latter two brands will each bring their high-performance, fully-electric SUVs aimed at more affluent performance car enthusiasts.
However, Jac’s option will likely be the one that appeals most to South Africans.
The battery electric vehicle (BEV) version of the Jac T9 is set to be South Africa’s second true electric bakkie, following the Maxus T90.
Unveiled at the Shanghai Automotive Show in April 2023, the T9 BEV will feature a 4×4 drivetrain powered by an 88kWh battery that can provide over 400km of range.
Although Eleksa and EVAfrica each offer their own small electric “bakkies” in the form of the Eleksa Pony and City Blitz Pick-up, it is up for debate whether these could be regarded as proper cars, as their performance would technically classify them as quadricycles.
Another interesting new potential contender in South Africa is BYD’s Dolphin, a hatchback from the company often called “China’s Tesla”.
The Dolphin is expected to fall into BYD’s line-up in South Africa in 2024, alongside the Atto 3 that debuted with the brand’s entry into South Africa in mid-2023.
The Dolphin is the world’s best-selling electric hatchback and fourth best-selling EV overall.
While a specific launch date and pricing remains to be confirmed, it seems likely that the Dolphin could become South Africa’s new cheapest electric car if BYD maintains similar margins on that model.
In Australia, the Dolphin starts at AU$38,890, converting to roughly R484,100 at the time of writing.
In the same country, the entry-level BYD Atto 3 retails for AU$48,011, converting to about R597,600. In South Africa, the Atto 3 starts at R768,000.
If one applies the price difference of roughly 28.5% to the Dolphin’s Australian price, it could end up costing roughly R622,100 in South Africa.
Another manufacturer that seems committed to making 2024 its big EV year is Swedish firm Volvo.
In addition to the Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge it already offers in South Africa, it will be rolling out the compact value-focused EX30 and top-of-the-range three-row EX90 locally.
The former will be the company’s most affordable EV and the fastest-accelerating production Volvo ever — capable of 0–100km/h in 3.6 seconds.
This car is leveraging the vast resources and manufacturing capabilities of Volvo’s parent company — Chinese auto giant Geely — to cut down on production costs.
Pre-orders for this model have already gone live, with several hundred of South Africa’s 500 allocated units sold within a few months.
Lastly, Mini will be expanding its EV line-up with the electrified Countryman SUV in 2024.
Below are the six electric cars confirmed or expected to be launched in South Africa in 2024. The specifications provided are for the entry-level models.
BYD Dolphin
- Engine power/torque: 70kW/180Nm (Dynamic)
- 0-100km/h: 12.3 seconds (Dynamic)
- Range: 340km (WLTP — Dynamic)
- Maximum charging speeds: 7.4kW AC and 60kW DC
JAC T9 electric bakkie
- Engine power/torque: TBC
- 0-100km/h: TBC
- Range: 400km (manufacturer stated)
- Maximum charging speeds: TBC
Lotus Eletre
- Engine power/torque: 450kW/710Nm
- 0-100km/h: 4.5 seconds
- Range: 600km (WLTP)
- Maximum charging speeds: 22kW AC and 350kW DC
Maserati Grecale Folgore
- Engine power/torque: 373kW+/800Nm+
- 0-100km/h: 4.1 seconds
- Range: 500km (WLTP)
- Maximum charging speeds: 22kW AC and 150kW DC
Mini Countryman SE
- Engine power/torque: 230kW/494Nm
- 0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
- Range: 433km (WLTP)
- Maximum charging speeds: 11kW AC or 130kW DC
Volvo EX30
- Engine power/torque: 200kW/343Nm (Core Single Motor)
- 0-100km/h: 5.7 seconds (Core Single Motor)
- Range: 282km (WLTP)
- Maximum charging speeds: 11kW AC and 153kW DC
Volvo EX90
- Engine power/torque: 205kW/490Nm
- 0-100km/h: 8.4 seconds
- Range: 580km (WLTP)
- Maximum charging speeds: 11kW AC and 250kW DC