Electric cars are still few and far between in South Africa, especially if you are looking for something that can be considered halfway affordable.
As is the case with most new technologies, the first few waves of electric vehicles (EVs) have largely been developed at the high end for early adopters with the funds available to engage with a concept that needs to earn back the millions spent on its development.
This can be seen in South Africa where the vast majority of EVs are currently provided by luxury brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Porsche, who all have models retailing for well over R1 million.
However, things are starting to change quite rapidly as the country only had one sub-R1 million EV in 2022, which has since increased to four this year with more expected to arrive in 2024.
The four models in question are the BYD Atto 3, GWM Ora, Mini Cooper SE, and Volvo EX30, all of which sell for a price that, while not exactly mass market, is much cheaper than anything that came before, and which paint a picture that South Africa’s electric landscape is starting to catch up to other markets.
The title of the cheapest battery-electric vehicle in the country currently belongs to the GWM Ora hatchback – a deviation from the Chinese brand’s bakkie line-up that puts the entry price to the future of transport at R686,950.
This is followed by another Chinese automaker BYD – Tesla’s biggest rival globally – which recently came to the tip of Africa with its first offering, the Atto 3 crossover, going for R768,000.
The other electric SUV on offer is Volvo’s new EX30 which made waves earlier this year when it was revealed it would start at R775,900 – roughly R300,000 cheaper than the company’s prior effort, the R1,075,000 XC40.
Finally, there is the old guard in the Mini Cooper SE, which until recently held the position as South Africa’s only sub-R1 million EV but has since dropped down to fourth place at R783,500.
The Four Horsemen of the Electric Revolution
These are the four electric cars in South Africa that you can currently buy for less than R1 million.
Click on the underlined prices for more information.
GWM Ora
- Starting price – R686,950
- Number of models – 4
- Power – 126kW/250Nm
- Battery capacity – 48-63kWh
- Driving range – 310-420km
BYD Atto 3
- Starting price – R768,000
- Number of models – 2
- Power – 150kW/310Nm
- Battery capacity – 50-60kWh
- Driving range – 345-420km
Volvo EX30
- Starting price – R775,900
- Number of models – 5
- Power – 200-315kW/343-543Nm
- Battery capacity – 51-69kWh
- Driving range – 344-480km
Mini Cooper SE
- Starting price – R783,500
- Number of models – 2
- Power – 125kW/270Nm
- Battery capacity – 32.6kWh
- Driving range – 215km
Keyword: Every electric car you can buy in South Africa under R1 million