Summary
- South Africa had over half a million new vehicle sales in 2024, with over 96% being internal combustion engine vehicles
- Sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in South Africa reached over 1,000 units for the first time in 2024, up 35% from the previous year
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales also saw an increase in 2024, with over 700 units sold
- HEV sales are increasing in South Africa, with over 10,000 units sold in 2024, led by the Toyota Corolla Cross
- Chinese automakers are introducing more HEVs and PHEVs to the South African market, with longer-range PHEVs becoming more popular as a transition to full electric vehicles
Article
South Africa saw a decrease in new vehicle sales in 2024, with over half a million units sold. However, the vast majority of vehicles sold in South Africa are still internal combustion engine vehicles. Progress has been made in the electric vehicle market, with battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales surpassing 1,000 units for the first time in 2024. Despite this increase, BEVs only make up 0.24% of total vehicle sales in South Africa.
Sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also saw growth in 2024, with 737 units sold, representing a 100% increase from the previous year. However, both BEVs and PHEVs combined only make up less than 1% of total annual vehicle sales in South Africa. On the other hand, sales of plugless traditional hybrids (HEVs) have been on the rise, with over 10,000 units sold in 2024, making up 2.64% of total sales. Leading the HEV market in South Africa is the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Chinese and Japanese automakers are introducing HEVs to the South African market, potentially paving the way for the introduction of PHEVs and BEVs in the future. Some argue that South Africa should skip the HEV phase and focus on transitioning to PHEVs and BEVs directly. Longer range PHEVs are seen as a better transition option than HEVs, as they can help reduce emissions and provide drivers with better value for their vehicles.
More PHEVs are expected to enter the South African market in 2025, with models offering increased electric ranges. Chinese automakers, in particular, are leading the way in introducing new-generation PHEVs with larger battery packs and extended electric ranges. Two new PHEVs, the Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9, have been confirmed for release in South Africa, indicating a potential trend towards more PHEVs in the market. Japanese automakers, however, seem to be sticking with HEVs for now.
Overall, the South African auto market is starting to see an increase in electric vehicle options, with several new BEV models set to be launched in 2025. This is expected to boost the BEV market in the country. As advancements in electric vehicle technology continue, the shift towards cleaner transportation options like PHEVs and BEVs may become more prominent in South Africa, ultimately helping to reduce emissions and promote sustainable mobility in the region.
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