NEV vs ICE: Who is who and what is what
- New Energy Vehicles
- 15 January 2026
South Africa’s electric vehicle landscape is shifting rapidly as government policy, global market pressure and local investment begin to align. Yet a clear divide remains between the slow uptake of fully electric vehicles (EVs) and the stronger growth in hybrids, reflecting the realities of affordability and infrastructure.
According to a Reuters report, Ford and Renault have agreed to work together on a new generation of compact, lower-priced electric cars for Europe, while also expanding cooperation on commercial vans, as both manufacturers seek to defend their market positions against increasingly aggressive Chinese rivals.
Kenya’s automotive industry recently made headlines when Tad Motors unveiled its first range of locally assembled electric vehicles (EVs), igniting discussions across Africa about the continent’s growing capacity for indigenous mobility solutions.
As South Africa forges ahead in the automotive landscape, a notable divide has emerged in the growing realm of new-energy vehicles.
Volvo Trucks South Africa delivered the first of nine new electric trucks that will be added to DSV’s (an international supply-chain operator) local fleet over the next few months.
Spain will channel an impressive R27.6 billion into its electric vehicle (EV) sector next year, as part of a bold initiative to ensure that 95% of vehicles produced in the country are electric by 2035, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed recently.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed the second phase of its solar photovoltaic (PV) carport project in the employee car park and service centre at the Kariega manufacturing plant, further demonstrating its focus on renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.
Mahindra has taken a bold step in India’s fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) market by unveiling its latest innovation: the XEV 9S, a seven-seater electric SUV.
Uber announced the next phase of its low-cost mobility journey with the expansion of its Uber Moto product to include Uber Go Electric in South Africa.
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) reached a major milestone in South Africa’s electric mobility transition with breaking ground for two off-grid, solar-powered ultra-fast EV-charging stations along the N3 corridor.
BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is preparing for a major international push, aiming to sell as many as 1.6 million cars outside its home market next year.
Global demand for electric vehicles surged in October, with combined sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models rising by 23% to 1.9 million units, according to data from Rho Motion.
South Africa is entering a transformative phase in its automotive sector as experts and industry leaders meet Wednesday, 12 November, to begin shaping the country’s first nationally recognised qualification for electric vehicle (EV) servicing and maintenance.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin