According to the Automotive Business Council (naamsa), South Africa doubled its NEV sales in 2024, year on year. In the first quarter of 2025, NEV sales continued to grow, increasing by 14% compared to the first quarter of 2024. The sales of EVs decreased in the same period.

Included in NEV numbers, are traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery only operated electric vehicles (EVs).

With more and more NEVs entering the South African market, mainly from China, expect to see an even bigger demand as prices become more affordable, especially from EVs even if it sales took a dive during the first 6 months of 2025 compared to 2024. EVs are still the most expensive component in the NEV portfolio.

South Africans are late adopters of EVs while the acceptance of hybrids is more widely spread. On the EV side, factors like affordability, a lack of public charging infrastructure and load-shedding are the main reasons for the slower uptake.

All indications are that there are currently between 350 and 400 public charging stations in South Africa and the number is rapidly growing. Just for interest sake, South Africa has between 4 000 and 5 000 fuel filling stations, far more than charging stations, but then again, you cannot refuel your car at home, but you can charge your electric car at home.

It is not only in the commercial segment that EVs are slowly but surely gaining traction, the introduction of more competitively priced EV passenger cars will, in the medium and long term, bear fruit for clean air mobility although hybrids, including plug-in hybrids seem to be the way to go in South African at this point in time.

Some good news on the EV front, is the soon to be launch of a much more affordable EV passenger car in the form of BYD’s Atto1. BYD, the Chinese masters in NEVs announced its small Atto1 is about to join the rest of the manufacture's full electric and hybrid line-up in South Africa.

Although the price is not yet finalised, expect it to come it at somewhere between R300 000 and R400 000, which will make it the most affordable EV passenger car in South Africa. It might carry the Atto Nameplate, but it will be much cheaper and slot in just under BYD's current most affordable EV, the Dolphin and the more expensive Atto 3.

The Atto 1 will also use BYD's new battery technology, called the Blade Battery with lithium iron phosphate. It has the advantage of slow heat generation, low heat release and non- oxygen release. The unique flat rectangle shape also improves cooling efficiency and preheating performance. The Blade Battery has safely passed the rail penetration test without emitting fire or smoke.

So who is ruling the roost among the NEV genre in South Africa?

• Toyota's Corolla Cross Hybrid is the backbone of South Africa's NEV segment with leading monthly sales. It can expect competition from the latest hybrid arrivals from Chery and GWM and a few more, yet to reach our shores.
• BMW is in the lead when it comes to plug-in hybrids.
• The scramble for top spot in EV sales are a three-way fight between Volvo, BMW and BYD.