8 electric vehicles coming to South Africa in 2024

The number of electric vehicles (EVs) heading to South Africa is increasing steadily, with at least eight new models expected to arrive in 2024.

According to Naamsa, the sale of electric vehicles in South Africa more than doubled year-on-year in 2023. Sales of new-energy vehicles by 18 industry brands increased by 100.7% between the first quarter of 2023 and the second quarter.

“Driving a meaningful EV transition in South Africa will require a careful balance between incentivising a sustained shift in domestic market demand for EVs,”

“It will mean establishing an appropriately aligned, renewable energy-based charging infrastructure and supporting a shift in South African vehicle production, away from petrol and diesel vehicles to a mix of hybrid-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electrics and full EVs,” said Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa.

However, these factors are already gaining ground in the country.

Last month, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel published a White Paper that outlined a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) roadmap for South Africa and the structure of a suite of policy interventions tailored to the automotive industry.

Patel said the primary goal of the White Paper is to set a course to transition the auto industry from primarily producing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to a dual platform that includes EVs in the production and consumption mix alongside ICE vehicles in South Africa by 2035.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), in partnership with Chargify, will be building 127 new local electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across South Africa valued at R40 million.

The first phase involves installing 67 Mercedes-Benz EQ branded charging stations nationwide by quarter one of 2024.

“This investment is aimed at not only providing current customers with a reliable charging network but also instilling confidence in those considering the switch to electric vehicle ownership,” said MBSA.

EVs coming to South Africa this year

As outlined by TopAuto, the first new EV heading to South Africa is the BYD Dolphin, the second car to come from Build Your Dreams – commonly referred to as the Chinese version of Tesla.

The company launched in the country with a single model, the Atto 3 crossover, and the Dolphin will serve as a more affordable hatchback option that competes alongside the GWM Ora 3.

Volvo is planning to expand its lineup of electric vehicles this year with two new models – the EX30 and EX90. The former is expected to be one of the most affordable electric SUVs in South Africa, while the latter will be the company’s new flagship model.

Mini, a renowned automotive brand, is making a comeback in the market with a major overhaul of its product line this year. As part of its revamp, the brand is introducing two new electric vehicles – the Cooper SE and the Countryman SE – to its portfolio.

Lotus, a car brand that has been absent from the market for years, is introducing an SUV named the Eletre, which contrasts with its better-known models like the Elise.

Maserati is also bringing out an electric version of its Grecale, and Chinese bakkie maker JAC is set to deliver two new T9s  this year with a plug-in hybrid and fully electric double cab.

The eight EVs coming to South Africa are listed below, as outlined by TopAuto:

BYD Dolphin

• Power: 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

• Power: TBC
• 0-100km/h: TBC
• Range: 400km
• Maximum charging speeds: TBC

Lotus Eletre

• Power: 450kW/710Nm
• 0-100km/h: 4.5 seconds
• Range: 600km (WLTP)
• Maximum charging speeds: 22kW AC and 350kW DC

Maserati Grecale Folgore

• Power: 373kW+/800Nm+
• 0-100km/h: 4.1 seconds
• Range: 500km (WLTP)
• Maximum charging speeds: 22kW AC and 150kW DC

Mini Cooper SE

• Power: 125kW/270Nm (John Cooper Works)
• 0-100km/h: 6.7 seconds (John Cooper Works)
• Range: 402km (WLTP)
• Maximum charging speeds: 95kW DC

Mini Countryman SE

• Power: 230kW/494Nm
• 0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
• Range: 433km (WLTP)
• Maximum charging speeds: 11kW AC or 130kW DC

Volvo EX30

• Power: 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

• Power: 205kW/490Nm
• 0-100km/h: 8.4 seconds
• Range: 580km (WLTP)
• Maximum charging speeds: 11kW AC and 250kW DC

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