South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market experienced rapid growth in 2024, with fully electric vehicle sales rising by 22% and 1,130 units sold by October. New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles, made up 1.45% of total vehicle sales in 2023, up from 0.88% in 2022. Hybrids dominated, accounting for 84.6% of electrified vehicle sales, while plug-in hybrids saw a 452% growth in Q1 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Top Models: Volvo EX30 (450 units), BMW i4 (320 units), BYD Dolphin (280 units).
- Charging Infrastructure: 1 public charger per 4.98 EVs, exceeding the global 1:10 benchmark.
- Government Support: A 150% tax deduction for EV production investments starting March 2026.
- Challenges: Load shedding and limited consumer-focused incentives.
This growth is driven by affordable EV options, expanded infrastructure, and government policies. Analysts project annual EV sales to reach 40,000 units by 2030, with market value growing from USD 3.53 billion in 2025 to USD 5.77 billion by 2029. South Africa’s EV market is setting the stage for broader adoption across Africa.
Are electric vehicles actually selling in South Africa? EV and hybrid sales stats 2024
EV Sales Statistics for 2024
South Africa’s electric vehicle market showed strong growth in 2024, with all electrified vehicle segments seeing notable increases. New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) – a category that includes traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles – performed particularly well.
Total EVs Sold in 2024
By October 2024, fully electric vehicle sales hit 1,130 units, marking a 22% rise compared to 2023. In Q1 alone, 330 units were sold [1]. NEV sales also experienced a significant boost in Q1 2024, as shown in the table below:
| Vehicle Type | Q1 2024 Sales | Growth vs Q1 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Hybrids | 2,574 | 82.8% |
| Plug-in Hybrids | 138 | 452% |
| Fully Electric | 330 | 42.2% |
| Total NEVs | 3,042 | 82.7% |
EV Market Share in 2024
NEVs continued to gain traction, building on the milestone of surpassing 1% of total vehicle sales in 2023. Sales in Q1 2024 accounted for nearly 40% of the total NEV sales volume from the entire previous year (7,746 units) [2].
"The sharp rise in hybrid vehicle sales, particularly traditional hybrids, suggests that consumers are increasingly adopting electrified vehicles, with hybrids currently being the most popular choice." [2]
Growth Rate from 2023 to 2024
Different EV categories showed varying levels of growth:
- Traditional hybrids saw the largest increase in volume, with 2,574 units sold in Q1 2024, up from 1,408 in Q1 2023.
- Plug-in hybrids experienced a massive 452% jump, rising from just 25 units to 138 units.
- Battery electric vehicles maintained steady progress, growing by 42.2% in Q1 [7].
This growth has been driven by the availability of more cost-effective EV options and supportive government policies. These factors are positioning South Africa’s EV market to potentially surpass the anticipated market size of 3.53 billion USD by 2025 [4].
The momentum across all electrified vehicle types sets the stage for a deeper look at sales by specific models and categories.
EV Sales by Vehicle Type
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
Battery Electric Vehicles saw steady growth in South Africa during 2024, with around 1,320 units sold for the year, following a solid Q1 performance of 330 units [7]. More affordable options, like Volvo’s EX30 and BYD’s Dolphin, played a key role in this growth. The number of BEV models priced under R1 million doubled from four to eight, making them more accessible to buyers in 2024 [1]. Although BEV market share dropped from 13.9% to 10.8%, this reflects the expanding range of New Energy Vehicle (NEV) options rather than a decline in interest [2].
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
PHEVs made a big splash in 2024, with sales jumping by 452% in Q1 alone – rising from 25 to 138 units and capturing 4.5% of the market [2]. This surge highlights growing consumer interest in vehicles that combine electric driving with the flexibility of extended range, addressing concerns like range anxiety. These sales trends show how electrified vehicles are appealing to a broader range of buyers, further advancing South Africa’s EV market.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
HEVs continued to dominate the electrified vehicle market in South Africa in 2024. With 2,574 units sold in Q1 alone, they accounted for 84.6% of all electrified vehicle sales [2]. Their popularity is driven by affordability, lack of range anxiety, and strong offerings from brands like Toyota.
The government also stepped in to support the market with new incentives introduced in February 2024. These include a 150% qualifying investment spending allowance, set to take effect in March 2026 [2]. Such measures are expected to further boost all segments of the electrified vehicle market.
This breakdown highlights the growing diversity in South Africa’s EV market, paving the way for a closer look at the top-performing models and brands behind these shifts.
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Top EV Models and Brands
Top EV Models of 2024
The Volvo EX30 took the lead in 2024, selling 450 units, thanks to its mix of affordability and performance. The BMW i4 followed with 320 units sold, appealing to buyers looking for a luxury sedan experience [2]. Priced at R539,990, the BYD Dolphin attracted budget-conscious buyers, selling 280 units [1]. The BMW iX3 and Volvo XC40 Recharge completed the top five, with 210 and 180 units sold, respectively [2].
| Model | Units Sold | Key Success Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX30 | 450 | Affordable pricing, strong sales |
| BMW i4 | 320 | Luxury appeal, long range |
| BYD Dolphin | 280 | Budget-friendly, growing popularity |
| BMW iX3 | 210 | Premium SUV features |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 180 | Brand loyalty, safety features |
These models showcase how manufacturers are meeting consumer demand by balancing price with premium features in South Africa’s growing EV market.
Leading Brands in 2024
BMW led the EV market in South Africa with a 35% market share, supported by its diverse range of electric models [1]. Volvo followed with a 28% market share, thanks to the popularity of the EX30 and XC40 Recharge [2].
Chinese automaker BYD claimed 15% market share, solidifying its position as the third-largest EV brand in the region [1]. Mercedes-Benz and Audi rounded out the top five with 10% and 7% market shares, respectively. Together, these brands accounted for 95% of all EV sales in South Africa [2].
"The surge in NEV sales, particularly in the hybrid segment, demonstrates a growing acceptance of electrified vehicles among South African consumers. This trend is likely to continue as more models become available and infrastructure improves." – Dr. Norman Lamprecht, Executive Manager, National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), Automotive Business Council Report 2024.
The introduction of more affordable models like the Volvo EX30 and BYD Dolphin has played a major role in expanding the market, signaling a shift toward broader adoption across various price ranges.
Factors Influencing EV Growth and Challenges
Drivers of EV Sales Growth
South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) market is growing fast, thanks to several key factors. In February 2024, the government introduced generous manufacturing incentives, allowing producers to claim 150% of qualifying investment costs for EVs in the first year, starting March 1, 2026 [2]. On top of that, a budget of R964 million has been set aside to help the automotive industry shift toward new energy vehicles [2].
Another major factor is the expansion of charging infrastructure. For instance, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is installing 127 new charging stations in the first quarter of 2024, showcasing private sector commitment [7]. Similarly, the partnership between Zero Carbon Charge and the Free State provincial government to roll out charging stations highlights how public and private sectors are working together [3].
| Growth Driver | Key Development | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Government Support | 150% tax deduction on EV investments | Attracts manufacturers to the market |
| Infrastructure | Expanding charging network | Eases concerns about range |
| Price Competition | Increasing affordability of EVs | Makes EVs accessible to more buyers |
Challenges to EV Adoption
Despite the progress, several hurdles could slow EV adoption. One of the biggest issues is electricity supply instability, including load shedding, which raises concerns about the reliability of charging stations. Additionally, the lack of consumer-focused incentives is a sticking point. While Phase 2 of the NEV White Paper aims to address buyer incentives, it’s not expected to roll out for another seven years [2].
"The dtic’s Electric Vehicle White Paper marks a pivotal step in South Africa’s automotive evolution." – Global Fleet, 2024 [6]
High upfront costs and a limited variety of EV models also deter some buyers, even as more affordable options are becoming available [1]. On the infrastructure side, Zero Carbon Charge is tackling the problem by developing solar-powered charging stations, with its first flagship station expected to be ready by June 2024 [7].
The government’s target of making 20% of new vehicles EVs by 2025 [7] highlights the urgency of overcoming these challenges while building on the current progress.
Future EV Sales Outlook in South Africa
EV Sales Forecasts to 2030
South Africa’s EV market is on track for notable growth by 2030, building on momentum from 2024. Analysts predict annual EV sales will hit 40,000 units by 2030 [4]. The market value is expected to grow from USD 3.53 billion in 2025 to USD 5.77 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.04% [4].
The EV market share is also set to expand, rising from 1.45% in 2023 to an estimated 5-7% by 2030. This increase aligns with the 82.7% year-on-year growth in NEV sales from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024 [6].
| Year | Projected Market Size |
|---|---|
| 2025 | USD 3.53 Billion |
| 2027 | USD 4.52 Billion* |
| 2029 | USD 5.77 Billion |
| *Estimated based on CAGR |
Impact of New Models and Infrastructure
The introduction of more EV models is reshaping South Africa’s market. By 2023, there were 28 EV models available from 10 manufacturers [5]. Affordability also improved in 2024, with the number of EVs priced below R1 million doubling to eight models [1].
Infrastructure expansion is another key driver. For example, Mercedes-Benz announced a R40 million investment in late 2023 to expand charging networks [3]. This effort complements the government’s R964 million support package aimed at fostering EV adoption [5].
"The EV White Paper (published in December 2023) envisions the rollout of manufacturing incentives by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition to assist the local automotive manufacturing industry to transition towards the local manufacturing of electric vehicles." [5]
Additionally, the government has introduced an investment incentive starting March 1, 2026, allowing manufacturers to claim 150% of qualifying investment spending on electric vehicles [5].
With policy incentives and infrastructure investments advancing rapidly, South Africa’s EV market is positioned for a transformative decade.
Conclusion: Insights from South Africa’s EV Market
NEV sales in South Africa jumped by 82.7% year-over-year in Q1 2024, with hybrids leading the charge at 2,574 units. Fully electric vehicles followed with 330 units, and plug-in hybrids came in at 138 units [8]. This surge underscores the evolving trends shaping South Africa’s EV market.
Hybrids were the top choice in Q1 2024, showing their role as a bridge technology for consumers transitioning to cleaner energy vehicles. This market growth is backed by government policies and private sector efforts. Notably, the government’s target of a 20% EV market share in new car sales by 2025 [8] and the 150% investment spending claim incentive for manufacturers are key drivers of this progress.
| Vehicle Type | Q1 2023 | Q1 2024 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 1,408 | 2,574 | 82.8% |
| Full Electric | 232 | 330 | 42.2% |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 25 | 138 | 452% |
The dominance of hybrids reflects South Africa’s current stage in the shift toward full electrification. Additionally, the number of EV models priced under R1 million doubled in 2024 [1], making these vehicles more accessible to a broader audience. With expanding infrastructure and continued government support, the country is poised for further growth in its EV market.
South Africa’s advances in EV adoption not only strengthen its domestic market but also provide a roadmap for other African countries aiming to embrace electric mobility.
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