Growth Trajectory of the South Africa Electric Vehicle Market

South Africa Electric Vehicle (EV) market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of more than 18.0% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The market growth is driven by the rising need to address future energy requirements and the increasing adoption of sustainable options. Furthermore, in South Africa, EV manufacturer companies are establishing microgrids based on solar that offer a significant opportunity for decentralized charging infrastructure, and the introduction of electrified public transport offers a significant opportunity for market growth. The South Africa EV market is segmented by vehicle type (commercial vehicle, passenger cars, two-wheeler) propulsion technology (battery electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) by battery type (NiMH, Li-ion, other). 

According to the Automotive Business Council, the domestic OEMs in the South African market reach a much broader consumer base for vehicle sales. Around two out of every three vehicles manufactured in South Africa are exported, in 2024. Furthermore, in 2023, the export of vehicles and automotive components reached R270.8 billion, equating to 14.7% of South Africa’s total exports. Furthermore, 3,042 New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) were sold in South Africa between January and March 2024, compared to 1,665 vehicles, in 2023, during the same period. It is a nearly 83% increase. 3,042 NEV units were sold during Q1 2024, compared to 7,746 during 2023. In January and March 2023, manufacturers sold 1,408 traditional hybrids, which increased to 2,574 units, in 2024. Plug-in hybrid sales saw the highest proportional growth. The sales increased from 25 units in Q1 2023 to 138 in Q1 2024. 98 more units of fully electric vehicles were sold in the first quarter of 2024 than the same period in 2023.  

In December 2023, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic) published the Electric Vehicles White Paper. The document is a policy pronouncement on the manufacture, sale, and use of Electric Vehicles (EVs), in South Africa.

The major companies in the South Africa EV market include BMW AG, Nissan Motor Co., Volkswagen AG, and others. The market players are contributing significantly to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies including new product innovations, collaborations with the government, funding for start-ups and technological advancements, and more. 

Recent Developments 

• In November 2024, CHARGE opened its first off-grid, ultra-fast, green electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Wolmaransstad in the North West Province, of South Africa. The station will have a network of 120 solar-powered charging facilities on major highways at 150km intervals over the coming year.

• In October 2024, BMW Group South Africa started the production of the BMW X3 at the Plant Rosslyn. BMW X3 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV).

• In March 2024, Audi unveiled the Q6 e-tron, the launch of which is due in the second quarter of 2025. The EV features a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery offering a 625 km driving range. It will be launched in two power variants - 285 kW of power in the standard Q6, and 380 kW in the SQ6, both offering quattro all-wheel-drive ability. The Q6 e-tron will offer an acceleration of 285 kW a zero to 100 kph sprint time of 5.9 seconds, while the SQ6 e-tron is faster with 4.3 seconds.    

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