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TechCentral regularly publishes a list of all the electric cars available for sale in South Africa, along with prices, performance figures and more. Since we first published the list in 2022, it has seen huge changes, including a rapid expansion in the number of electric vehicles available for purchase along with – unfortunately – a series of price increases. Again, several manufacturers have also increased the prices of their EVs leading into 2025, while some underperforming models are no longer sold in the country. The Dongfeng Box is set to be one of the cheapest EVs available to South African consumers when it’s launched Taking the top spot as the cheapest EV in South Africa in TechCentral’s list for the first half of 2025 is a new kid on the block, the Dayun Yuehu . It’s really a city commuter rather than being suited for long-distance road trips, but it is officially the cheapest electric car you can buy today – although that might soon change with the imminent launch of the BYD Dolphin Mini . Another Chinese brand entering the market in 2025 is Dongfeng, whose Dongfeng Box (the naming could be better, let’s be honest) is also set to be one of the cheapest EVs available to South African consumers when it goes on sale. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, though it’s possible it could launch at a sub-R500 000 price point. Read: Ford sees spike in interest in NEVs among South African car buyers Many Audi EVs have been removed from the list since the last time TechCentral compiled it in mid-2024. With more affordable Chinese brands entering the market that are challenging Western brands not only at the entry level but also at the premium end of the market, it’s perhaps no surprise that some manufacturers are withdrawing certain models in what has become a highly cost-conscious market. TechCentral’s list is of full battery-electric vehicles only and does not include mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. — (c) 2025 NewsCentral Media Dayun Yuehu Dayun Yuehu Price: R399 900 – R449 900 Power: 105kW Time to 100km/h: 8s Top speed: 100km/h Range: Up to 300km (claimed) Billed as a “zippy” SUV for city environments, the Dayun Yuehu S5 has launched in South Africa, with the newcomer, which is priced from below R400 000, aiming to “redefine” the local EV segment. BYD Dolphin Price: R539 900 – R599 900 Power: 150kW Time to 100km/h: 7s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 427km (claimed) The BYD Dolphin, backed by BYD’s advance blade battery technology and advanced safety features, boasts smart connectivity, voice control and driving assistance for an enhanced electrified driving experience. At the price, this is likely to prove a hot seller. GWM Ora 300/400 Price: R686 950 – R835 950 Power: 126kW Time to 100km/h: 8.4s Top speed: 150km/h Range: Up to 310km (claimed) The Ora 03, also named Good Cat or Funky Cat in various markets, is an electric hatchback designed by former Porsche designer Emanuel Derta. Its aesthetic evokes memories of the boutique hatchbacks that were abundant in South Africa a decade ago, including the R56 Mini Cooper and Citroen DS3. The local line-up comprises four distinct models. BYD Atto 3 Price: R768 000 – R 835 000 Power: 150kW Time to 100km/h: 7.3s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 423km (claimed) Introducing a lesser-known Chinese electric vehicle from BYD that may not be on your radar. The Atto 3, a compact-to-midsized electric crossover, is a notable addition to the line-up from a company that’s often described as the Chinese Tesla. Volvo EX30 Price: R791 900 – R 1.055-million Power: 200kW Time to 100km/h: 3.6s Top speed: 180km/h Range: Up to 480km (claimed) Introducing a new era for Volvo and a departure from its traditional designs. While Volvo labels it a crossover, in essence it embodies the characteristics of a nimble and elevated hatch, breaking away from the larger cars the now Chinese-owned company has been known for over the decades. BYD Seal BYD Seal Price: R999 900 – R1.199-million Power: 390kW Time to 100km/h: 3.8s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 520km (claimed) The BYD Seal is a battery electric midsized fastback sedan and the second car in the company’s “Ocean Series” after the smaller BYD Dolphin hatchback. The Seal is built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 and an 800V electrical platform and costs a fraction of similarly specced German-made sedans. Maxus T90 Price: R1.1-million Power: 150kW Time to 100km/h: 7.4s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 330km (claimed) The Maxus T90 EV is an electric bakkie that was launched in 2022, making it one of the first such vehicles available in the local market. It should be a popular choice for businesses and individuals. Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge Plus Price: R1.108-million Power: 170kW Time to 100km/h: 7.4s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 423km (claimed) If you decide to go the EV route, the P6 Recharge model offers a more practical solution than BMW’s Mini: a vehicle that can travel much further, while maintaining good performance and a wealth of technological and comfort features. Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive Price: R1.179-million Power: 140kW Time to 100km/h: 8.6s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 486km (claimed) BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine Price: R1.205-million Power: 230kW Time to 100km/h: 5.6s Top speed: 180km/h Range: Up to 400km (claimed) The BMW iX1 represents the electric iteration of the highly sought-after X1 SUV from the renowned German brand. Based on the latest X1 platform, this compact family SUV shares design cues with the larger BMW iX flagship model. The iX1 offers similar appeal to owning the latest smartphone, one that is slightly less advanced than the top-tier version. Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line Price: R1.232-million Power: 140kW Time to 100km/h: 8.6s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 486km (claimed) Billed by Mercedes-Benz as its new entry-level electric model, the Stuttgart-based firm describes the EQA as a “close relation of the GLA”, saying it shares that model’s “robust structure”. BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport Price: R1.245-million Power: 230kW Time to 100km/h: 5.6s Top speed: 180km/h Range: Up to 400km (claimed) Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD Price: R1.26-million Power: 300kW Time to 100km/h: 4.8s Top speed: 180km/h Range: Up to 400km (claimed) The P8 Recharge brings all-wheel drive to XC40 electric range. It’s also much more powerful, producing 300kW at peak. BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport Price: R1.346-million Power: 210kW Time to 100km/h: 6s Top speed: 190km/h Range: Up to 420km (claimed) The BMW i4 can be likened to a futuristic 4 Series. While sharing a strikingly similar silhouette, this all-electric vehicle boasts a slightly more daring design and a noticeably enhanced interior. The i4 showcases a bolder aesthetic, coupled with advanced electric power, offering a glimpse into the automotive technology of the future. Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate Price: R1.295-million Power: 300kW Time to 100km/h: 4.7s Top speed: 180km/h Range: Up to 400km (claimed) The Volvo C40 Recharge takes inspiration from the successful XC40 premium compact crossover but adds a sportier appearance. Similar to the Audi Q3 and its stylish counterpart, the Q3 Sportback, the C40 has a sloping roofline and tailgate instead of the conventional boxy design at the rear. However, the sleek silhouette is more than just an aesthetic choice. Volvo asserts that the optimised aerodynamics of the vehicle contribute to an extended range for its electric model. BMW iX3 M Sport Price: R1.361-million Power: 210kW Time to 100km/h: 6.7s Top speed: 180km/h Range: Up to 460km (claimed) The iX3 M Sport is the all-electric version of BMW’s popular executive SUV, the X3. It claims to retain the best qualities of the X3 in combination with an advanced battery-electric powertrain. Models sold in South Africa are manufactured in China. Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic Progressive Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic Progressive Price: R1.384-million Power: 215kW Time to 100km/h: 6.2s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 485km (claimed) Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic AMG Line Price: R1.437-million Power: 215kW Time to 100km/h: 6.2s Top speed: 160km/h Range: Up to 485km (claimed) Built in Hungary, the EQB measures 4.68m (length) x 1.83m (width) x 1.67m (height), giving it the same lengthy wheelbase as the petrol-and diesel-powered GLB models. Like the GLB, the electric version ships with five seats as standard but is optionally available as a seven-seater. BMW i4 M50 Price: R1.696-million Power: 400kW Time to 100km/h: 3.8s Top speed: 225km/h Range: Up to 620km (claimed) The German automaker’s attempt to meld its performance attributes with the emerging electric era has resulted in the creation of the BMW i4 M50. It’s the first “battery-electric M car” from BMW, making it a significant design. It’s not cheap, though. BMW iX xDrive40 Price: R1.735-million Power: 240kW Time to 100km/h: 6.1s Top speed: 200km/h Range: Up to 500km (claimed) The BMW iX xDrive40 is the more affordable of the two electric iX vehicles (the iX xDrive50 is featured later in this list). The main distinctions between them are the lithium-ion battery’s capacity and the electric motors’ output: the 385kW iX50 has a larger battery pack and a significantly longer claimed range. Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Price: R1.866-million Power: 245kW Time to 100km/h: 6.2s Top speed: 210km/h Range: Up to 500km (claimed) The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan is an all-electric car that can be seen as a smaller yet unique version of the EQS. These models are essentially electric counterparts to the conventional E-class and S-class models of the brand. The EQE boasts of sleek bodywork and a roomy cabin that shares design elements with the larger EQS, and it also comes equipped with impressive features such as the Hyperscreen – a screen that spans the entire width of the dashboard. BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Price: R1.842-million Power: 250kW Time to 100km/h: 6s Top speed: 193km/h Range: Up to 575km (claimed) The new i5 is the all-electric version of the latest BMW 5 Series. BMW i5 M60 Price: R2.190-million Power: 455kW Time to 100km/h: 3.8s Top speed: 250km/h Range: Up to 620km (claimed) The top-of-the-line variant of the iX offers incredible performance for an SUV, pushing the boundaries of what is expected. It successfully combines handling and refinement in a way that surpasses other electric competitors. However, compared to the iX xDrive40 M Sport, this sporty M60 version sacrifices some comfort and efficiency – and comes at a higher price. The enhanced sharpness it provides isn’t substantial enough to warrant these compromises. Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE 43 4Matic Price: R2.271-million Power: 484kW Time to 100km/h: 3.8s Top speed: 220km/h Range: Up to 600km (claimed) The Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic offers the AMG driving experience with advanced technology. The electric motors are tuned and controlled specifically for AMG, and work together with the fully variable all-wheel drive and AMG Ride Control+ chassis to deliver a smart and dynamic driving experience. BMW iX xDrive50 Price: R2.350-million Power: 385kW Time to 100km/h: 4.6s Top speed: 200km/h Range: Up to 630km (claimed) The pricier of the two iX models available in South Africa provides more power and is quicker off the line. Jaguar I-Pace EV400 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 AWD R-Dynamic HSE Price: R2.465-million Power: 294kW Time to 100km/h: 4.8 seconds Top speed: 200km/h Range: Up to 446km (claimed) The Jaguar I-Pace, which was introduced in South Africa at the end of 2018, has served as something of a trailblazer for battery-electric vehicles in the country. There aren’t any significant visual changes (aside from the slightly modified grille), but the EV’s infotainment system has been updated, it charges more quickly, and new driver assistance technologies have been added – all small but important adjustments to keep the Jaguar on the cutting edge. Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Price: R2.827-million Power: 245kW Time to 100km/h: 6.2s Top speed: 210km/h Range: Up to 782km (claimed) The EQS is not an electrified S-Class, but rather an S-Class-sized luxury saloon riding on a new platform big enough to contain a massive 107.8kWh battery in its enormous wheelbase. It’s a 5m-long riposte to all the EV newcomers. Mercedes is here for the new era, and it’s thrown everything it has at this flagship. Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ AMG Line Price: R2.967-million Power: 245kW Time to 100km/h: 6.2s Top speed: 210km/h Range: Up to 586km (claimed) The EQS 450+ sedan in AMG cladding. Porsche Taycan Price: R2.868-million Power: 300kW Time to 100km/h: 5.4s Top speed: 230km/h Range: Up to 484km (claimed) The Porsche Taycan is an attractive electric vehicle. It’s a GT with the heart of a sports car and can thrill you in spades on the right road. What’s more, it’s a genuine Porsche that just so happens to be electric. BMW iX M60 Price: R2.975-million Power: 455kW Time to 100km/h: 3.8s Top speed: 250km/h Range: Up to 564km (claimed) The BMW iX M60 is a flagship variant of the iX SUV that itself is designed to represent the pinnacle of BMW’s electric car development. Its carbon fibre-reinforced chassis is bespoke, its design both eccentric and finely wrought, with this M60 form adding more powerful electric motors to the recipe. Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo Price: R3.201-million Power: 350kW Time to 100km/h: 5.1s Top speed: 220km/h Range: Up to 484km (claimed) Porsche Taycan 4S Price: R3.223-million Power: 390kW Time to 100km/h: 4s Top speed: 250km/h Range: Up to 484km (claimed) Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo Price: R3.370-million Power: 420kW Time to 100km/h: 4.1s Top speed: 240km/h Range: Up to 484km (claimed) The Cross Turismo and base Taycan are nearly mechanically identical. With the same motors and power outputs across the same four models, the same 93.4kWh battery is mounted underneath (for the 4, 4S, Turbo and Turbo S, see later in this list). The suspension is also shared (double wishbone front, multilink rear) with adaptive air springs and four-wheel steering. New wheel mounts, strut supports and a modified self-levelling system are the only significant modifications. BMW i7 xDrive60 Price: R2.935-million Power: 400kW Time to 100km/h: 4.7s Top speed: 240km/h Range: Up to 625km (claimed) BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport Price: R3.01-million Power: 400kW Time to 100km/h: 4.7s Top speed: 240km/h Range: Up to 625km (claimed) The electric version of BMW’s 7 Series is built on the same underpinnings as the internal combustion engine versions of the vehicle. This is in contrast to Mercedes-Benz, which developed a unique all-electric limo in the EQS. Audi RS e-tron GT quattro Audi RS e-tron GT quattro Price: R3.527-million Power: 440kW Time to 100km/h: 3.3s Top speed: 250km/h Range: Up to 472km (claimed) This is the first electric Audi to sport the RS badge. Both have a motor at either end for four-wheel drive and the same two-speed gearbox as the Porsche Taycan on the rear axle to maximise acceleration off the line and elevate efficiency at higher speeds. Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ Price: R3.424-million Power: 484kW Time to 100km/h: 3.8s Top speed: 220km/h Range: Up to 586km (claimed) For many years, the S-Class has been setting new standards for luxury, technology and safety. It was only a matter of time with the Mercedes EQ line-up before we saw the S-Class of EVs, and the first electric vehicle from Mercedes to sport the coveted AMG emblem, most likely because “AMG” was long associated with roaring V8s. Porsche Taycan Turbo Price: R4.334-million Power: 500kW Time to 100km/h: 3.2s Top speed: 260km/h Range: Up to 507km (claimed) Porsche Taycan turbo Cross Turismo Price: R4.369-million Power: 500kW Time to 100km/h: 3.3s Top speed: 250km/h Range: Up to 485km (claimed) Porsche Taycan turbo S Price: R5.228-million Power: 560kW Time to 100km/h: 2.8s Top speed: 260km/h Range: Up to 484km (claimed) Not everything the Taycan Turbo S offers is pure speed. Once you sit in the driver’s seat, it’s obvious you’re in a Porsche first and an electric car second. This is a purpose-built driving machine that just so happens to be driven by electricity, not a science fair experiment that happens to move absurdly fast. Lotus Eletre R Price: R4.5-million (indicative) Power: 675kW Time to 100km/h: 3s Top speed: 265km/h Range: Up to 484km (claimed) Lotus Eletre S Price: POA Power: 450kW Time to 100km/h: 4.5s Top speed: 260km/h Range: Up to 484km (claimed) The new Lotus Eletre, a 2.7 t electric SUV packed with advanced technology and luxury. It’s a stark contrast to the traditional Lotus image, known for lightweight, minimalist sports cars like the Elise. This radical shift marks the biggest transformation in the brand’s history. Porsche Taycan turbo GT Price: R5.882-million Power: 430kW Time to 100km/h: 2.3s Top speed: 260km/h Range: Up to 484km (claimed) The new flagship Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (also available with the Weissach Package) is the most powerful series-production Porsche ever. Rolls-Royce Spectre Rolls-Royce Spectre Price: POA (estimated at between R10-million and R15-million, or more with options) Power: 760kW Time to 100km/h: 4.5 seconds Top speed: 250km/h Range: Up to 530km (claimed) By the end of the decade, every single Rolls-Royce will be fully electric. The Spectre is the first battery-powered model to carry the Spirit of Ecstasy on the prow of its bonnet. – © 2025 NewsCentral Media Get breaking news from TechCentral on WhatsApp. Sign up here . Don’t miss: Watch | We visit South Africa’s first off-grid EV charging station
