Chery is set to make electric driving more attainable for South Africans with the arrival of the Chery Q, priced between R350 000 and R400 000. The compact electric vehicle will launch locally at the end of August, offering a blend of practicality, range and modern design aimed at everyday urban use.
What is it?
The Chery Q is a fully electric city car designed to make EV ownership accessible to a wider audience, Chery claims. Compact in size yet spacious inside, it fits neatly into the growing segment of affordable electric vehicles. With its 90kW motor and 42.7kWh battery, the Q promises up to 400km of range on the NEDC cycle, making it suitable for daily commuting and short trips.
Interior:
Despite its small footprint, the Q’s cabin is cleverly packaged. It features a dual-tone dashboard, flat-bottom steering wheel and column-mounted gear selector that frees up space on the centre console. A large 15.6‑inch touchscreen powered by a Snapdragon processor dominates the dashboard, complemented by an 8.8‑inch digital instrument display. The cabin offers a bright, airy feel thanks to a wide windscreen and excellent outward visibility. Boot capacity starts at 375 litres and expands to 1 450 litres, with an additional 70‑litre front trunk for extra storage.
Exterior:
The Q measures 4 195mm long, 1 811mm wide and 1 570mm high, with a 2 700mm wheelbase that contributes to its planted stance. Its design follows Chery’s “Square‑Round Harmony” philosophy, combining crisp lines with rounded edges for a friendly, modern look. Q‑shaped LED headlights and a closed‑off grille highlight its electric identity, while semi‑flush door handles, two‑tone mirrors and a floating C‑pillar add visual interest. The model’s design has earned a Red Dot Product Design Award, underscoring its distinctive yet approachable styling.
Powertrain:
The Q’s 90kW electric motor delivers smooth, quiet performance, supported by a 42.7kWh battery capable of up to 400km on a single charge. Its 5.2‑metre turning radius makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and the Elite derivative includes intelligent driver‑assistance and automatic parking systems for added convenience.
Price and warranty:
Chery South Africa will introduce the Q from R350 000, with final derivative details announced closer to launch. A pre‑order package includes a seven‑year/150 000 km warranty, a home‑charging wallbox, portable charging equipment and a complimentary electric tailgate upgrade.
Imperial Motors Zambia, part of Motus Africa, has added UD Trucks to its dealership offering following an official launch in Lusaka on 1 October. The brand will be represented at three operational locations in Lusaka, Kitwe and Solwezi.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
Euro NCAP has changed the way it tests cars. The 2026 protocols, the biggest revision in three years, restructure the assessment around four stages: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash care.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Charging time remains a worry for many South Africans considering an electric vehicle, who still see it as a disruption rather than a quick stop at a filling station. That view is starting to shift.
South Africa has taken important steps to position itself within the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, but industry stakeholders argue that further policy adjustments are needed if the country is to accelerate adoption and support long-term investment in clean transport infrastructure.
As fuel prices and operating expenses continue to challenge South African businesses, alternative energy solutions are receiving greater attention.
