These are the only electric cars with a driving range of over 500km in South Africa

There are seven different electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa that can drive more than 500km on a single charge, but they aren’t cheap.

Over the last few years, the price of EVs has dropped significantly due to the entry of new brands, such as BYD and GWM’s Ora, into the market.

Well-established brands like Volvo have started to offer more affordable EV models. However, the cost of purchasing an EV with a driving range of 500km or more is still prohibitively high.

To get an EV that can cover such distances without requiring frequent charging, you will need to spend at least R1.3 million.

The electric vehicle market is expanding, and with that comes a wide range of options for consumers.

Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, has taken the lead in EV battery capacities with its EQS model. The EQS boasts a massive 108.4kWh cell and a range of 780km, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel.

However, it’s important to note that the manufacturer’s claimed range is an estimate and can vary depending on the type of driving conditions you encounter.

It’s also worth noting that the Porsche Taycan has a 105kWh battery and can go over 800km if driven in the city.

However, this range drops to an average of 642km when high-speed driving on the motorway is considered.

The following EVs are available in South Africa and have a driving range of over 500km. Click on the underlined prices for more details.

Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ sedan

• Range – 780km
• Battery size – 108.4kWh
• Power – 245kW/565Nm
• Starting price – R2,827,005

Porsche Taycan 4S

• Range – 642km
• Battery size – 105kWh
• Power – 440kW/710Nm
• Starting price – R3,161,000

BMW iX xDrive50

• Range – 630km
• Battery size – 111.5kWh
• Power – 385kW/765Nm
• Starting price – R2,350,000

BMW i7 xDrive60 Design Pure Excellence

• Range – 625km
• Battery size – 101.7kwh
• Power – 400kW/745Nm
• Starting price – R2,935,000

Mercedes-Benz EQE350+ sedan

• Range – 621km
• Battery size – 90.6kWh
• Power – 215kW/565Nm
• Starting price – R1,724,650

Lotus Eletre S

• Range – 600km
• Battery size – 111.9kWh
• Power – 450kW/710Nm
• Starting price – POA

BMW i5 M60 xDrive

• Range – 516km
• Battery size – 83.9kWh
• Power – 442kW/795Nm
• Starting price – R2,190,000

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