South Africa’s electric and hybrid vehicle sales surpass 2025 total

South Africa’s electric and hybrid vehicle market is gaining momentum, with sales in the first nine months of 2026 already exceeding the entire previous year’s total.

The country recorded 22,389 new-energy vehicle sales between January and September 2026, according to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (naamsa).

This represents a 34% increase compared with the 16,703 vehicles sold throughout 2025. In other words, the market added 5,686 sales in just nine months beyond last year’s full-year figure.

The latest figures highlight growing interest in electrified vehicles as South Africa’s automotive industry responds to changing consumer preferences and the global transition towards cleaner transport.

Electrified vehicles gain market share

The growth is becoming increasingly visible across South Africa’s new vehicle market. In September 2026, approximately one in every nine vehicles sold was classified as a new-energy vehicle.

This category includes battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and conventional hybrids. These technologies offer consumers different alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.

Battery-electric vehicles operate entirely on electricity, while plug-in hybrids combine electric power with a conventional combustion engine. Conventional hybrids also combine electric motors with petrol engines but generally do not require external charging.

The expanding range gives motorists more opportunities to consider electrified transport, depending on their budgets, driving habits and access to charging facilities.

Chinese manufacturers strengthen their presence

Chinese automotive manufacturers are playing an increasingly important role in South Africa’s growing electrified vehicle market.

Companies including BYD, Chery and Great Wall Motor are expanding the range of new-energy vehicles available to local consumers.

Their presence is helping introduce more competition into a market where affordability, technology and vehicle choice remain important purchasing considerations.

The growing availability of electrified models could also encourage established manufacturers to strengthen their offerings as competition intensifies.

Opportunities for South Africa’s automotive industry

The rapid increase in new-energy vehicle sales presents opportunities beyond vehicle manufacturing and retail.

Charging infrastructure providers, battery technology companies, component suppliers and automotive investors could benefit as demand for electrified mobility increases.

However, sustaining this growth will require continued investment in charging networks, electricity infrastructure and consumer education.

For South Africa, the challenge will be ensuring that the expansion of electric and hybrid vehicles is supported by infrastructure capable of meeting future demand.

The latest sales figures suggest that electrified mobility is becoming a more significant part of the country’s automotive market.

With 2026 sales already ahead of the previous year’s total, South Africa is emerging as an increasingly important market to watch in Africa’s transition towards cleaner transportation.

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