South Africa EV Market: Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular in South Africa. People are buying more electric cars, and companies are building more charging stations.
The South Africa EV market is growing fast. Experts say the market will grow at a rate of 18.6% every year from 2024 to 2028.
In 2024, the sale of EVs in South Africa went up by 82.7% in just the first three months. That’s a huge jump. More than 3,000 new energy vehicles were sold in the first quarter. In 2023, during the same time, only 1,665 were sold.
People in South Africa are starting to like cleaner and smarter transport options. Among all types of EVs, hybrid cars were the top choice. Over 2,500 hybrid vehicles were sold in Q1 2024.
Fully electric cars also became more popular. More than 330 electric cars were sold, up from 232 last year. Plug-in hybrids saw a big rise too — from 25 units in 2023 to 138 in 2024.
Government Support is Helping South Africa’s EV Market
The South African government is playing an important role in pushing South Africa EV Market. In February 2024, the government announced new incentives for EV companies. These rewards help companies invest more in making and selling EVs in the country.
In December 2023, the government shared a white paper. It explained the plan to move towards electric transport. One big goal is to make 20% of new cars electric by 2025. This means one out of every five new cars sold in South Africa could be electric very soon.
Charging Stations Are Coming Fast in South Africa EV Market
One of the biggest challenges for EVs is charging. People need places to charge their cars. Now, many companies and local governments are working on this.
Mercedes-Benz announced a big plan in November 2023. They are spending R40 million to build 127 charging stations across the country.
In the first phase, they spent R15 million to set up 67 EQ-branded chargers by the end of Q1 2024. The second phase includes another 60 chargers with a R25 million investment.
Note: R is the standard currency of South Africa which stands for Rand. R1 is equal to INR 4.77
They are working with a local company called Chargify. Chargify builds fast and regular chargers. First, they will focus on big cities, airports, and shopping malls. Later, they will go to small towns too. The good news is these chargers will work with all EV brands, not just Mercedes-Benz.
In May 2024, the Free State government started a new project. They teamed up with Zero Carbon Charge. They will set up 120 new charging stations with a US$234 million investment.
Out of these, 75 will be for cars and 45 will be for trucks. This will help EV users travel longer distances without worry.
Also Read: UAE Electric Vehicle Market Scenario
Cape Town’s Big Electric Bus Project in South Africa
Cape Town is doing something big. In February 2024, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis launched the MyCiti electric bus project. It is part of the city’s clean energy plan. The total cost is R8.5 billion.
Cape Town wants to switch its public transport system to electric. The plan includes replacing the 1,100 diesel buses run by Golden Arrow Bus Service (GABS) with electric ones. This will cut 67 kilotons of CO₂ every year.
Another part of the plan is the Flex EV taxi project. This startup will test 80 electric minibus taxis in places like Stellenbosch and Century City. They will also build two charging stations for these taxis.
Why People Are Buying More EVs in South Africa
People in South Africa are choosing electric vehicles for many reasons:
- Fuel prices are rising. EVs are cheaper to charge.
- EVs are cleaner. They don’t produce harmful smoke.
- Government is giving support. Incentives and plans make EVs more attractive.
- Charging is easier now. More stations are being built every month.
- Companies are offering more choices. From small cars to luxury models.
How Is the Future Looks Like in South Africa EV Market?
Between 2024 and 2028, the South Africa EV market will keep growing. The market will reach a value of US$0.5 billion in 2024 and rise more every year. New models, better batteries, and faster chargers will help people switch to electric vehicles.
There is also a lot of focus on different types of EVs. These include:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
- Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
EVs will not just be for personal use. Companies are bringing electric trucks, buses, taxis, and even three-wheelers to the market.
Building the EV Ecosystem in South Africa EV Market
To make the South Africa EV market strong, the country also needs a strong EV infrastructure. This includes:
- Charging stations in cities, streets, and homes
- Fast and slow chargers for all vehicle types
- EV-compatible parts like batteries, motors, and charging cables
- Smart chargers with internet connection for better control
Right now, charging points are being added at:
- Homes
- Workplaces
- Bus depots
- Public spaces
Different charging types like Level 1, Level 2, and Direct Current (DC) are being installed. Fast and ultra-fast chargers are becoming more common.
Also Read: Norway’s EV Market Hits 96.4%
Key EV Cities in South Africa
Most EV action is happening in Tier 1 cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. But smaller towns are also joining the shift. With time, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will have their own EV networks.
Final Words on South Africa EV Market
South Africa is moving fast towards clean and green transport. People are choosing EVs more than ever. The government and companies are making smart moves. Charging stations are growing. Public transport is going electric. This is just the beginning.
If the trend continues, South Africa could become one of the leading EV markets in Africa. A cleaner, cheaper, and smarter transport system is possible and it’s already on the way.
