As electric vehicles (EVs) make their way into South Africa’s automotive landscape, the used EV market is also expanding steadily, with many buyers showing interest—especially if the pricing is right. Although the range of available models remains limited, demand for pre-owned EVs is high among those who can afford these high-tech vehicles.

Limited Selection and Premium Prices

The South African market for used EVs currently features mainly high-end models from brands like BMW, Audi, Volvo, and Jaguar. Due to their premium nature, these vehicles come with substantial price tags, keeping them accessible only to a segment of consumers. Although other automakers have yet to bring their electric models to South Africa, the vehicles available are drawing considerable attention. For example, the BMW iX—a favored model among used EVs—carries an average price of R1,362,892.

Popular Used Electric Vehicles

AutoTrader’s Mid-Year Car Industry Report provides a snapshot of the used EV market in the first half of 2024, listing the top 10 best-selling electric models. BMW leads the pack, occupying four out of the ten spots with models such as the iX, i3, iX3, and i4. Volvo is another top brand, with its XC40, EX30, and C40 crossovers ranking among the most popular choices. The lowest-priced model in the list is the BMW i3 at an average of R524,914, while the Audi e-tron holds the highest price tag at R1,412,120.

Best-Selling Used EVs in South Africa

Here are the top used electric vehicles by units sold and average prices:

1. BMW iX – 37 units, R1,362,892 average price
2. Volvo XC40 – 34 units, R1,080,178 average price
3. BMW i3 – 31 units, R524,914 average price
4. Mini Cooper SE – 22 units, R540,057 average price
5. BMW iX3 – 17 units, R1,070,747 average price
6. Volvo EX30 – 15 units, R958,043 average price
7. Audi e-tron – 12 units, R1,412,120 average price
8. Volvo C40 – 12 units, R1,240,223 average price
9. Jaguar I-Pace – 12 units, R1,066,527 average price
10. BMW i4 – 11 units, R1,283,214 average price

The Future Outlook for Used EVs

South Africa’s growing pre-owned EV market illustrates a growing interest in sustainable driving solutions. As more affordable models become available and charging infrastructure improves, EVs could capture a larger share of the used-car market, helping South African drivers embrace eco-friendly mobility.