Electric cars in South Africa: Efficiency wins fans, but cost and charging hold back buyers

South Africans are intrigued by electric vehicles (EVs), valuing their efficiency and environmental benefits, yet remain hesitant due to high costs and charging limitations. The 2024 AutoTrader New Energy Vehicle Buyers Report reveals that while electric cars are gaining traction, most consumers are cautious about committing fully.

In the survey of over 1,400 South African consumers, more than 90% reported they would prefer a hybrid (HEV) or traditional combustion engine (ICE) vehicle as their next car. Despite the benefits of electric vehicles—such as better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions—concerns around affordability and charging remain significant. “For many South Africans, the initial cost and access to charging infrastructure are still too steep to justify the shift,” says Carina Rousseau, an automotive market analyst in Johannesburg.

The report shows that price is a major barrier, with 58% unwilling to spend more than R600,000 on a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Currently, only a handful of BEV models are available in this price range, limiting options for budget-conscious consumers. Fuel efficiency is the top draw for those interested in EVs, followed by environmental benefits. Yet, over half of the respondents indicated they want a BEV capable of at least 500 kilometers on a single charge—well above the range most models in South Africa offer today.

Infrastructure limitations are another significant hurdle. Roughly 83% of survey participants indicated they would only consider buying a BEV if it could charge in under four hours at home and two hours at a public station. Though fast-charging stations in urban areas can deliver relatively quick charge times, rural and suburban regions lag behind, exacerbating consumers’ range anxiety.

Gender disparities emerged in EV experience as well: 40% of male respondents had driven a NEV, compared to just 27% of female respondents. Notably, 61% of participants had never experienced an electric or hybrid vehicle, showing an awareness gap around how NEVs function and the benefits they offer.

Despite these challenges, the report found optimism about EVs’ future. Over half of respondents, 58%, said they would consider purchasing a BEV in the next five years, while 12% expect to make the transition within a year. However, experts suggest that local EV adoption is unlikely to surge until costs come down and infrastructure improves.

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