The South African electric vehicle (EV) landscape is expected to grow exponentially as global automotive manufacturers implement plans to launch new EV models, with choices set to double this year alone.
While slowly gaining traction in South Africa with a total of 218 EV sales recorded for 2021, EVs still only account for less than 0.05% of total vehicle sales in the country.
Manufacturers cite market concerns over EV infrastructure, an unstable power grid, and high costs as deterrents to potential buyers.
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The introduction of added charging infrastructure, reduced duties and a wider range of EV options, however, are key incentives for the target market.
AUDI
German automotive manufacturer, Audi, introduced six, highly anticipated e-tron models to the South African market in early 2022 which included a series of all-electric vehicles that produce zero direct CO2 emissions while driving. Audi’s e-tron 55 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is the lowest-cost model in the line-up, offering a range of between 369 km and 440 km.
The sportier e-tron 55 Sportback, however, offers a range of between 372 km to 453 km, while its more powerful counterpart, the S Sportback, ranges between 347 km and 478 km. Meanwhile, Audi’s e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT models target performance enthusiasts, offering a range of up to 488 km. Outspoken in its commitment to the energy transition, Audi has supported the development of wind and solar farms worldwide, aligned to plans of empowering its EV fleet to become carbon neutral throughout their lifecycle.
BMW
Under a strategy to significantly expand its EV offering in South Africa, multinational luxury vehicle manufacturer BMW has brought multiple offerings to the southern African country’s market in the second quarter of this year with the addition of two new models. The BMW iX3 is an EV based on its X3 SUV diesel counterpart’s design and promises a range of between 425 km and 630 km while the i4 M50 sedan offers a range of up to 510 km. BMW has been consistent in its commitment towards introducing battery EVs to South Africa as they become available on the global market, with the i4, iX, and iX3 now the top-sellers in the country.
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MERCEDES-BENZ
Slated to bring in at least five of its flagship EQ EV models to South Africa throughout 2022, German vehicle manufacturer Mercedes-Benz will bring two fully electric sedans and SUVs to the country’s market. Mercedes-Benz’s EQE and EQS luxury sedans offer a distance range of up to 770 km, while the manufacturer’s EQA, EQB, and EQC SUVs are capable of distances up to 493 km on a fully charged battery. With plans to achieve a carbon neutral passenger car fleet within 20 years, the carmaker has a strategy in place for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, set to account for over half of all sales by 2030.
TOYOTA
With plans to roll-out up to 30 battery EV models by 2030, Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer Toyota has indicated that it will introduce its bZX4 model under its Beyond Zero (bZ) range to South Africa by 2023. The SUV-type vehicle will have a range of approximately 450 km, while featuring an optional solar-paneled roof that has the potential to add up to 1,800 km of range per year, or an additional 150 km per month, through solar battery regeneration. Despite being a pioneer in the hybrid car market, Toyota has indicated that by 2030, fully electric vehicles are forecast to account for 25% of its vehicle sales.
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VOLKSWAGEN
The first phase of German car manufacturer Volkswagen’s three-phase electric mobility strategy saw the introduction of e-Golfs to the South African automotive market, with the company now embarking on the second phase of plans to introduce a fleet of ID.4 compact SUVs to the country by 2022. Expected to become Volkswagen’s first commercially available EV model to be offered to local consumers, the ID.4 will have a range of 522 km and will offer drivers in South Africa a more affordable EV option.
