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.

The updated list for the third quarter of 2023 has a few changes, including several of new vehicles. (See the second quarter list here.)

Unfortunately, a number of manufacturers have also increased the prices (again) of their EVs, no doubt as a result of the marked weakening of the rand against the US dollar and the euro in recent months.

For the third quarter of 2023, the most affordable EV available in South Africa remains the Mini Cooper SE 3-door hatch from BMW – R742 102 — until the release of GWM’s Ora Funky Cat later this year, which will retail for a recommended price of R716 900.

Interestingly, the Ora is priced at A$47 891 in Australia (including taxes), which translates to R609 635 at current exchange rates. This is R107 535 cheaper than the Ora’s price in South Africa.

This large pricing disparity can be attributed to the high import duties levied on EV imports into South Africa, which has hindered the country’s shift towards greener cars. Industry leaders have become increasingly critical in recent months over government’s lack of urgency in addressing the problem.

TechCentral will publish its next quarterly update towards the end of September 2023.

Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door

Price: R742 102
Power: 135kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 150km/h
Range: Up to 215km (claimed)

Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door Resolution

Price: R745 402
Power: 135kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 150km/h
Range: Up to 215km (claimed)

The Mini Cooper SE is the most affordable, new, fully electric vehicle 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, but it is the cheapest. (The BMW i3 is no longer for sale in South Africa.)

Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge Plus

Price: R1.075-million
Power: 170kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.4 seconds
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 423km (claimed)

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.

BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine (new)

Price: R1.14-million
Power: 230kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.6 seconds
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)

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.

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive

Price: R1.174-million
Power: 140kW
Time to 100km/h: 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 486km (claimed)

BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport (new)

Price: R1.18-million
Power: 230kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.6 seconds
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line

Price: R1.227-million
Power: 140kW
Time to 100km/h: 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 486km (claimed)

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”.

Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD

Price: R1.26-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)

The P8 Recharge brings all-wheel drive to XC40 electric range. It’s also much more powerful, producing 300kW at peak.

Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate (new)

Price: R1.285-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)

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.

BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport (new)

Price: R1.293-million
Power: 210kW
Time to 100km/h: 6 seconds
Top speed: 190km/h
Range: Up to 420km (claimed)

The BMW i4 can be likened to a futuristic 4 Series. 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.

BMW iX3 M Sport

Price: R1.306-million
Power: 210kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.7 seconds
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 460km (claimed)

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.

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic Progressive

Price: R1.379-million
Power: 215kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 485km (claimed)

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic AMG Line

Price: R1.432-million
Power: 215kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 485km (claimed)

Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic Edition 1

Price: R1.523-million
Power: 215kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 485km (claimed)

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.

BMW i4 M50

Price: R1.646-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 225km/h
Range: Up to 620km (claimed)

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, making it a significant design.

BMW iX xDrive40

Price: R1.735-million
Power: 240kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.1 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 500km (claimed)

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.

Audi e-tron 55 quattro Advanced

Price: R1.745-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.6 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 520km (claimed)

Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan

Price: R1.8-million
Power: 245kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 210km/h
Range: Up to 500km (claimed)

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.

Audi e-tron 55 quattro S line

Price: R2.045-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 520km (claimed)

The e-tron Sportback 55 quattro S line was one of the first EVs Audi introduced in South Africa. The driver is greeted by well-known styling and controls, and passengers enjoy plenty of room, comfort and luxury as the 300kW dual-motor electric vehicle sprints to a sub-5.7s 0-100 km/h time.

Audi e-tron Sportback 55 quattro S line

Price: R2.115-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 520km (claimed)

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.

Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE 43 4Matic Sedan

Price: R2.2-million
Power: 484kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 220km/h
Range: Up to 600km (claimed)

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.

BMW iX xDrive50

Price: R2.27-million
Power: 385kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 630km (claimed)

The pricier of the two iX models available in South Africa provides more power and is quicker off the line.

Jaguar I-Pace EV400 AWD S Black

Price: R2.342-million
Power: 294kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 446km (claimed)

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.

Audi e-tron S Sportback quattro

Price: R2.425-million
Power: 370kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.5 seconds
Top speed: 210km/h
Range: Up to 380km (claimed)

Audi’s e-tron in Sportback guise and in all-wheel drive is quick to 100km/h.

Porsche Taycan

Price: R2.527-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.4 seconds
Top speed: 230km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

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.

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ sedan

Price: R2.62-million
Power: 245kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 210km/h
Range: Up to 782km (claimed)

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.

Audi e-tron GT quattro

Price: R2.715-million
Power: 350kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.5 seconds
Top speed: 245km/h
Range: Up to 472km (claimed)

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.

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ sedan AMG Line

Price: R2.76-million
Power: 245kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 210km/h
Range: Up to 586km (claimed)

The EQS 450+ sedan in AMG cladding.

Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo

Price: R2.82-million
Power: 350kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.1 seconds
Top speed: 220km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

BMW i7 xDrive60

Price: R2.825-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 240km/h
Range: Up to 625km (claimed)

BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport

Price: R2.9-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 240km/h
Range: Up to 625km (claimed)

The electric version of BMW’s 7 Series is built on the same underpinnings as the internal combustion engine versions of the vehicle. This is in contrast to Mercedes-Benz, which developed a unique all-electric limo in the EQS.

Porsche Taycan 4S

Price: R2.919-million
Power: 390kW
Time to 100km/h: Four seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

Price: R2.94-million
Power: 420kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.1 seconds
Top speed: 240km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

The Cross Turismo and base Taycan are nearly mechanically identical. With the same motors and power outputs across the same four models, the same 93.4kWh battery is mounted underneath (for the 4, 4S, Turbo and Turbo S, see later in this list). The suspension is also shared (double wishbone front, multilink rear) with adaptive air springs and four-wheel steering. New wheel mounts, strut supports and a modified self-levelling system are the only significant modifications.

BMW iX M60 (new)

Price: R2.975-million
Power: 455kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 620km (claimed)

The top-of-the-line variant of the iX offers incredible performance for an SUV. It 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 and efficiency, and comes at a higher price. The enhanced sharpness it provides isn’t substantial enough to warrant these compromises.

Audi RS e-tron GT quattro

Price: R3.359-million
Power: 440kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.3 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 472km (claimed)

This is the first electric Audi to sport the RS badge. Both have a motor at either end for four-wheel drive and the same two-speed gearbox as the Taycan on the rear axle to maximise acceleration off the line and elevate efficiency at higher speeds.

Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ sedan

Price: R3.415-million
Power: 484kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 220km/h
Range: Up to 586km (claimed)

For many years, the S-Class has been setting new standards for luxury, technology and safety. It was only a matter of time with the Mercedes EQ line-up before we saw the S-Class of EVs, and the first electric vehicle from Mercedes to sport the coveted AMG emblem, most likely because “AMG” was long associated with roaring V8s.

Porsche Taycan GTS

Price: R3.506-million
Power: 440kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.7 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

Porsche Taycan Turbo

Price: R3.843-million
Power: 500kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.2 seconds
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 507km (claimed)

Porsche Taycan turbo Cross Turismo

Price: R3.875-millon
Power: 500kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.3 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 485km (claimed)

Porsche Taycan turbo S

Price: R4.464-million
Power: 560kW
Time to 100km/h: 2.8 seconds
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

Not everything the Taycan Turbo S offers is pure speed. Once you sit in the driver’s seat, it’s obvious you’re in a Porsche first and an electric car second. This is a purpose-built driving machine that just so happens to be driven by electricity, not a science fair experiment that happens to move absurdly fast. – © 2023 NewsCentral Media