South African EV uptake to gather pace in 2025
Increasing used-EV sales in 2024, and the expansion of South Africa’s charging network, is bringing the electric future closer …
South Africans are slowly warming to the idea of an EV future. 2024 saw increased used sales of new energy vehicles, like EV, plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid cars. However, several hurdles must be overcome for the mass adoption of EV to succeed. One is the lofty new purchase price of these vehicles, and the other is charging infrastructure.
According to GridCars, there are more than 350 charging stations nationwide. While that’s sufficient for the current EV sale rate, more must be done to convince naysayers. Many customers still fear ‘range anxiety’, which is the very real concern that an EV drains its battery and needs to be flat-bedded away. One can’t simply top-up a dead EV with the equivalent of a five-litre jerry car of gas.
SOUTH AFRICA’S EV REVOLUTION
However, various initiatives, such as the latest from CHARGE, endeavour to improve the South African EV charging network. Late last year, it opened the first off-grid public EV charging station in the North West. The first of an ambitious 120 solar-powered EV charge points it plans to install in South Africa in 2025. Chargers will be positioned at 150-km intervals, making long-distance EV travel possible.
“South Africa is at a pivotal moment in the journey toward widespread electric vehicle adoption,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. The rise in EV sales and innovative infrastructure developments like off-grid charging stations signal a growing commitment. As more affordable EV models enter the market and charging networks expand, the barriers to EV ownership will steadily be dismantled.”
OFF THE GRID
Furthermore, CHARGE’s first off-grid charging station comprises six DC fast-charging points. And two AC chargers for plug-in hybrids. Much like motorists would stretch their legs at a filling station and grab a snack, EV owners can enjoy a beverage and a bite to eat at a farm stall located at the charging station. The firm says an EV can gain sufficient battery range from a DC charger in just 25 minutes.
Moreover, according to the latest AutoTrader data, there’s been a 75% increase in used EV sales (compared to 2023). Plus, a 13% drop in average prices shows an encouraging trend. In 2024, 540 used EVs were sold at an average price just north of R1 million. The average used EV sold in 2024 had a mileage of 17 000 km and was two years old.
VOLVO SUCCESS
The Volvo XC40 Recharge took the lead among popular EVs with 65 units sold, followed closely by the BMW i3 and the Volvo EX30 at 62 units each. Meanwhile, the BMW iX achieved 49 sales. Buyers seeking value can find high-end EVs at a notable discount in the used car market. For instance, the BMW iX averages R1.3 million used versus R1 735 000 brand new.
The South African government has recently announced a 150% tax deduction for carmakers investing in local production of battery-electric vehicles, effective March 2026. This initiative aims to attract significant investment and make electric vehicle ownership accessible to a broader audience.
The best-selling electric vehicles on AutoTrader in 2024:
| MODEL | # SOLD | PRICE AVE | AVE MILEAGE | AVE AGE |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 65 | R1 082 278 | 5 847 km | 2 yo |
| BMW i3 | 62 | R509 413 | 58 455 km | 7 yo |
| Volvo EX30 | 62 | R937 818 | 3 382 km | 1 yo |
| BMW iX | 59 | R1 357 942 | 19 067 km | 3 yo |
| Mini Cooper SE | 49 | R513 379 | 19 307 km | 4 yo |
Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 – 31 December 2024
WOULD YOU CONSIDER A USED EV IN SOUTH AFRICA?
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