BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Volvo Car South Africa announced a new offer designed to make electric vehicle ownership even more convenient.
As the leading EV brand in South Africa, Volvo will provide new electric vehicle owners with two years of free public charging, a GridCars wallbox with installation, and 10 GB of Vodacom data a month for three years.
Two Years of Free Public Charging:
New Volvo electric vehicle owners will receive a charging voucher valued at R12 000. This voucher is linked to the GridCars charge card and is valid for 24 months. “South African motorists have shown they’re ready for electric motoring, as demonstrated by the strong sales of Volvo electric vehicles in South Africa,” commented Markus Cromwell, Head of Commercial at Volvo Car South Africa. “In 2024, Volvo sold 539 electric vehicles, and we aim to continue attracting drivers with this exceptional offer, making the transition to electric motoring even easier.”
GridCars wallbox for Home Charging:
Charging your Volvo EV at home will be easier with an installation allowance of R7 500 towards a GridCars wallbox. Charging via a wallbox is significantly faster than using a standard plug, allowing for quicker battery replenishment. The wallbox comes with a two-year warranty covering parts and installation costs.
Three Years of Connectivity:
Volvo EV owners will also receive a Wi-Fi dongle with 10 GB of Vodacom data a month for 36 months. This ensures drivers and passengers can enjoy the full suite of built-in Google apps and services, including Google Maps and YouTube, offering seamless connectivity and enhanced in-car entertainment.
Volvo’s Expanding Electric Line-up:
The all-electric Volvo range includes the best-selling EX30, the XC40 Recharge, and the C40 Recharge, offering options to suit a variety of EV needs. The EX30, one of South Africa’s most affordable electric vehicles, boasts a range of up to 476km and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, depending on the selected drivetrain.
The electric line-up will soon expand with the introduction of the range-topping EX90, the safest vehicle Volvo has ever designed.
While rising fuel prices often trigger spikes in interest around electric vehicles, Volvo Car South Africa believes the real reasons South Africans are starting to consider EVs go far beyond the petrol pump.
MG has opened a new engineering centre in Frankfurt as part of its “in Europe, for Europe” approach. The facility will focus on developing vehicles suited to European conditions, including climate, roads and driving habits. It will work alongside existing teams in the United Kingdom (UK) and London design hub.
Europe’s used electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a notable surge as the Iran conflict drives up global oil prices and pushes petrol costs sharply higher across the continent.