Summary
- South Africa’s new vehicle sales market saw a slight decrease in 2024, with over half a million vehicles sold
- Internal combustion engine vehicles still make up 99% of the new vehicle sales in South Africa
- Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) showed positive growth in 2024
- BMW and Volvo dominated the PHEV market in South Africa, with BMW’s X1 plugin hybrid being the top-selling model
- The introduction of longer-range PHEVs in markets like South Africa could help drive adoption of electrified vehicles, paving the way for more affordable options.
Article
In South Africa, the new vehicle sales market is dominated by internal combustion engine vehicles, with only a small percentage being battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plugin hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In 2024, 1,257 BEVs were sold, marking a 35% increase from the previous year, while 737 PHEVs were sold, showing a 100% increase. BMW and Volvo were the top-selling brands in the PHEV market, as well as in the BEV market, indicating their influence in driving the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. The growth of PHEV sales could be attributed to the availability of models in South Africa, as well as the acceptance of PHEVs as a transition option to full electric vehicles.
In the global market, PHEVs have shown significant growth in countries like China, where they have become a popular choice among consumers. BYD, a Chinese automaker, has seen a surge in PHEV sales, with models like the Sealion 06 and Shark 06 gaining popularity. The introduction of PHEV versions of popular pickup trucks, such as the Ford Ranger, could further boost the sales of electrified vehicles in South Africa, where pickup trucks are a popular choice among consumers. The BYD Shark 06 PHEV offers a real-world range of 80 km in electric mode, making it an attractive option for non-early adopters who may still have range anxiety when considering full electric vehicles.
Chinese New Energy Vehicle manufacturers are making a significant impact in the South African market by introducing ICE and hybrid models from brands like Chery, GAC, JAC, GWM, Dongfeng, and SAIC. The availability of longer-range PHEVs and more affordable BEVs could further drive the adoption of electrified vehicles in the country. PHEV versions of common ICE models could help introduce more affordable plugin models to the South African market, offering consumers a transition towards electric vehicles. As PHEVs become more cost-effective compared to traditional ICE vehicles, they could play a crucial role in expanding the sales of plugins and ultimately leading to increased sales of BEVs in South Africa.
The potential for growth in the electric vehicle market in South Africa is promising, especially with the increasing presence of Chinese automakers and the availability of more affordable electrified models. A shift towards longer-range PHEVs and a wider selection of BEVs could attract more consumers to consider switching to electric vehicles. As the market evolves and more options become available, there is a possibility for a significant increase in sales of electric vehicles in South Africa. With the support of government incentives and a growing infrastructure for electric vehicles, the country could see a substantial transformation towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation sector.
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