Psst … wanna buy an electric car (in South Africa)?

The electric car market in South Africa is in a state of flux. Many new EVs have gone on sale in the past year, and a few, like BMW’s Mini EV, have even left the market.

TechCentral, which publishes a comprehensive biannual list of all the electric cars for sale in South Africa, presents the list for mid-2024, along with prices, vehicle ranges and performance figures.

Since we last published the list six months ago, there have been significant changes, including, unfortunately, a number of price hikes – some of them significant.

Kelston Motor Group has quietly started selling its second BYD electric vehicle in South Africa: the BYD Dolphin, priced from R539 900. This makes it the most affordable EV available in the country. The BYD Dolphin follows the launch of the Atto 3 electric SUV in December 2023.

Also leaving the list is the Mini EV, which comes as a surprise as it had just released a new model this year.

Is it time to consider an EV over a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle in South Africa? Peruse what’s available in TechCentral’s comprehensive list, and let us know in the comments.

BYD Dolphin

Price: R539 900 – R599 900
Power: 150kW
Time to 100km/h: 7s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 427km (claimed)

The BYD Dolphin, backed by BYD “advance blade” battery technology and sporting many safety features, boasts smart connectivity, voice control and driving assistance for an enhanced electrified driving experience.

GWM Ora 300/400

Price: R686 950 – R835 950
Power: 126kW
Time to 100km/h: 8.4s
Top speed: 150km/h
Range: Up to 310km (claimed)

The Ora 03, 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.

BYD Atto 3

Price: R768 000 – R 835 000
Power: 150kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.3s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 423km (claimed)

Introducing a lesser-known Chinese electric vehicle from the prominent electric car manufacturer BYD, which may not be on your radar. 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 midsize electric crossover, is a notable addition to the line-up.

Volvo EX30

Price: R775 900 – R995 900
Power: 200kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.6 seconds
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 480km (claimed)

Introducing a new era for Volvo and a departure from its traditional designs. While Volvo labels the EX30 a crossover, in essence it embodies the characteristics of a nimble and elevated hatch, breaking away from the larger cars the company has been known for over the decades. This model is selling exceptionally well in South Africa.

Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge Plus

Price: R1.075-million
Power: 170kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.4s
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 BMW’s Mini: a vehicle that can travel much further, while maintaining good performance and a wealth of technological and comfort features.

Maxus T90

Price: R1.1-million
Power: 150kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.4s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 330km (claimed)

The Maxus T90 EV is an electric bakkie that was launched in 2022, making it one of the first all-electric bakkies available in the local market. It should be a popular choice for businesses and individuals.

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive

Price: R1.1174-million
Power: 140kW
Time to 100km/h: 8.6s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 486km (claimed)

BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine

Price: R1.205-million
Power: 230kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.6s
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 renowned 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 AMG Line

Price: R1.227-million
Power: 140kW
Time to 100km/h: 8.6s
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”.

BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport

Price: R1.245-million
Power: 230kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.6s
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)

Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD

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

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

BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport

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

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.

Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate

Price: R1.295-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7s
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 iX3 M Sport

Price: R1.361-million
Power: 210kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.7s
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: 6.2s
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: 6.2s
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: R1.696-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
Top speed: 225km/h
Range: Up to 620km (claimed)

The German car maker’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: 6.1s
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 capacity and the electric motors’ output: the 385kW iX50 has a larger battery pack and a significantly longer range.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Sedan

Price: R1.8-million
Power: 245kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2s
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.

BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport (new)

Price: R1.842-million
Power: 250kW
Time to 100km/h: 6s
Top speed: 193km/h
Range: Up to 575km (claimed)

The new i5 is the all-electric version of the latest BMW 5 Series.

Audi e-tron 55 quattro Advanced

Price: R1.99-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.6s
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 520km (claimed)

Audi e-tron 55 quattro S line

Price: R2.045-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.7s
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: 5.7s
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 90 minutes to charge the vehicle fully from flat. However, it is very seldom that you will arrive at the charger with a completely empty battery.

BMW i5 M60

Price: R2.19-million
Power: 455kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 620km (claimed)

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.

Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE 43 4Matic Sedan

Price: R2.2-million
Power: 484kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
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: R2.35-million
Power: 385kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.6s
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.

Audi e-tron S Sportback quattro

Price: R2.425-million
Power: 370kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.5s
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.

Jaguar I-Pace EV400 AWD R-Dynamic HSE

Price: R2.455-million
Power: 294kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.8s
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 in the republic. There aren’t any significant visual changes (aside from the slightly modified grille), but the car’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 at the cutting edge.

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ sedan

Price: R2.62-million
Power: 245kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2s
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.

Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ sedan AMG Line

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

The EQS 450+ sedan in AMG cladding.

Porsche Taycan

Price: R2.868-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.4s
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.

Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo

Price: R3.201-million
Power: 350kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.1s
Top speed: 220km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

Porsche Taycan 4S

Price: R3.223-million
Power: 390kW
Time to 100km/h: 4s
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

Price: R3.37-million
Power: 420kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.1s
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 i7 xDrive60

Price: R2.935-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7s
Top speed: 240km/h
Range: Up to 625km (claimed)

BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport

Price: R3.01-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7s
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.

Audi RS e-tron GT quattro

Price: R3.527-million
Power: 440kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.3s
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: 3.8s
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 Turbo

Price: R4.334-million
Power: 500kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.2s
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 507km (claimed)

Porsche Taycan turbo Cross Turismo

Price: R4.369-million
Power: 500kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.3s
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 485km (claimed)

Porsche Taycan turbo S

Price: R5.228-million
Power: 560kW
Time to 100km/h: 2.8s
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.

Lotus Eletre R (new)

Price: R4.5-million (indicative)
Power: 675kW
Time to 100km/h: 3s
Top speed: 265km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

Lotus Eletre S (new)

Price: POA
Power: 450kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.5s
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

The new Lotus Eletre is a 2.7t electric SUV packed with advanced technology and luxury. It’s a stark contrast to the traditional Lotus image, known for lightweight, minimalist sports cars like the Elise. This radical shift marks the biggest transformation in the brand’s history.

Porsche Taycan turbo GT

Price: R5.882-million
Power: 760kW
Time to 100km/h: 2.3s
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)

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