New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) are transforming the automotive industry worldwide, offering a range of benefits for both consumers and the environment. These vehicles, ranging from hybrids to fully electric, are gaining popularity due to their energy efficiency, reduction of polluting emissions, and lesser dependence on fossil fuels.
In South Africa, although adoption was initially slow, the country has gradually begun to embrace these vehicles, especially since 2022. They actually represent a promising alternative to traditional internal combustion engine cars, specially because of new features like fast charging and cutting-edge technology.
Following global trends, South Africa experienced a significant increase in demand for NEVs. During 2023, NEV sales rose to 7,693 units, representing a 65% increase compared to the previous year, when 4,764 were sold.
Moreover, the market reflects a significant growth in the availability of models, increasing from 40 to 66 options for consumers, as reported by Toyota SA Motors‘ president and CEO, Andrew Kirby, during his address at the company’s annual motor industry status event in Midrand, based on data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa).
Although 2023 saw a rise in sales, it is essential to contextualize these advancements within a still-developing market.
Barely representing 1.45% of the total new car sales, NEVs were gradually positioning themselves within the automotive industry, with hybrids being the most prominent, accounting for 84% of total sales, followed by electric with 12%, and plug-in hybrids with 4%.
Precisely, the 6,495 hybrids sold marked a 60% increase from the previous year, reflecting a gradual shift towards more sustainable options.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid stood out as the undisputed leader in the segment, competing with other models like the Haval Jolion and H6, as well as the Honda Fit hybrid.
Meanwhile, the sale of fully electric vehicles experienced an impressive 85.4% increase, rising from 502 to 931 units, as the range of available models expanded, and prices became more accessible.
In detail, the top five best-selling electric vehicles were led by the Volvo XC40 Recharge, with 150 units sold, closely followed by the BMW iX and the BMW iX3, both with 129 cars each.
The Mini Cooper SE also showed a solid performance with 96 units, while the BMW iX1 completed the list with 72 vehicles.
It is also worth noting the market increase in the offering of electric vehicles, with the number of available variants rising from 17 in 2022 to 31 last year.
This expansion included the introduction of models like the GWM Ora, the BYD Atto 3, the Volvo C40, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS, among others.
In response, Naamsa’s CEO, Mikel Mabasa, pointed out that promoting a greater transition to electric vehicles in South Africa will require finding a balance to incentivize sustained demand for these cars in the domestic market.
“This will require establishing a charging infrastructure based on properly aligned renewable energies and supporting a shift in vehicle production in South Africa, away from petrol and diesel vehicles towards a mix of hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and full electric vehicles,” he stated.
New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Prices
When premium brands like Jaguar, Audi, and Porsche entered this industry a few years ago, prices were exorbitant (some exceeding 4 million rands) limiting access to a wealthy elite initially.
However, advancements in technology, along with increased competition and infrastructure development, have contributed to price reductions and improved accessibility.
Recently, this sector has witnessed the introduction of more affordable electric cars, priced below R1m. Notable examples include the Mini Cooper SE, the BYD Atto 3, and the GWM Ora 03, being this one the country’s lowest-cost electric vehicle, with an initial price of R686,950.
In addition, in 2024, the range of electric cars will expand further with the arrival of the Volvo EX90, the new Mini Cooper SE and Countryman SE models, the Fiat 500e, the Lotus Eletre, the double-cabin JAC T9, and the Maserati Grecale Folgore. Besides, in early 2025, Toyota SA plans to launch the bZ4X and the Lexus RZ 450.
These options are opening new opportunities for people interested in cleaner vehicles, thus contributing to greater adoption of electric mobility, including expanding the car insurance market and Car Insurance Comparator
In this scenario, it is expected that local sales of electric cars will continue to experience solid annual growth; however, it is anticipated that it will not have a significant impact on the overall new vehicle industry. For example, the 931 electric vehicles sold last year represented only 0.17% of the total 532,098 sales.
Although prices below 700,000 rands are making these cars more affordable for a larger number of buyers, they are still too high for widespread adoption, as they currently face a 25% import tax, compared to the 18% applied to internal combustion engine cars.
Even Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, announced that taxes on these cars will not be reduced in the short term, mainly due to the reduced load on the national electric system.
Although many countries offer fiscal incentives and rebates to buyers of electric vehicles to narrow the price gap with internal combustion engine ones, the government considers this option undesirable at this time due to Eskom’s energy challenges and limited public charging infrastructure.
“Bringing many electric vehicles to the market now is probably not smart because of network challenges (…) We are considering a two-phase approach. First, getting more electric vehicle production facilities, and later, introducing incentives for consumers,” Patel emphasized.
In response, Naamsa’s CEO, Mikel Mabasa, expressed concern about the apparent priority of the South African government in producing electric vehicles for export rather than encouraging internal adoption. According to him, this strategy could discourage other manufacturers from investing in local production.
“If you sell a product, you must encourage people to buy that particular product so that we can ensure that the one that we produce [locally] is affordable, and people can also make the transition,” he added on the subject, which continues to generate debate within the automotive sector.
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