ELECTRIC cars have long been seen as a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets, a perception shaped by their initial high price tags and association with premium brands.
However, the narrative around electric vehicles (EVs) is quickly changing.
As the world shifts toward sustainable transportation, manufacturers are responding with a range of affordable options designed to make EV ownership accessible to the average consumer.
These new models challenge the stigma that electric cars are only for the wealthy, proving that eco-friendly innovation doesn’t have to come at a premium.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most affordable EVs available in South Africa now.
Top of our chart is the City Blitz.
The City Blitz is manufactured by EV Africa, a brand that’s still not so familiar to many South Africans.
It is a budget-friendly EV offering four models, all backed by four-year/60 000km warranties.
Operating costs are significantly lower compared to conventional petrol cars, averaging about 20c/km versus R1.20/km for small petrol vehicles. This is according to EV Africa.
The pricing is as follows:
- Price: From R239 900
- Motor: AC brushless motor rear
- Power: 7.5kW
- Top speed: 80km/h
- Range: 150km
- Seat capacity: 2
- Service plan/warranty: 4 years/60 000km
Second is the Dayun Yuehu S5
The Dayun Yuehu S5 is a small, affordable electric SUV that’s well-suited for city driving.
It’s one of the most affordable EVs in South Africa.
It is measured to be 3,695 mm long, 1,685 mm wide, 1,598 mm high, and 2,410 mm wheelbase
Pricing is as follows:
- Price: R399 900 – R449 900
- Power: 105kW
- Time to 100km/h: 8s
- Top speed: 100km/h
- Range: Up to 300km (claimed)
Third is the BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is a compact EV designed for urban driving. It has a stylish hatchback design and is powered by BYD’s Blade Battery technology
The Blade Battery can withstand over 5,000 charge and discharge cycles.
The Dolphin is available in two ranges: Standard and Extended. The Standard Range has a driving range of 310 km, while the Extended Range has a driving range of 427 km.
It has safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Pricing is as follows:
- Price: R539 900 – R599 900
- Power: 150kW
- Time to 100km/h: 7s
- Top speed: 160km/h
- Range: Up to 427km (claimed)
Dongfeng Box made our list too.
The box has not yet arrived in SA but it was launched in December last year. It is expected to hit South African streets anytime from now.
This compact-sized Box is powered by a single electric motor, powering the front wheels to outputs of 70 kW and 160 N.m with a range extender version capable of 430 km on a single charge.
Charging is supported via DC fast charging, allowing the battery to go from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes while an eight-minute charge on it provides approximately 200 km of range.
Pricing is not yet confirmed but it is expected that the Box will retail in the region of R460 000 to R510 000.
These are not the only EVs to look out for… Stay tuned for more updates.
And remember, considering an electric car can be advantageous looking at the fact that fuel prices keep increasing causing more stress for motorists. With an EV, that stress will become a thing of a past.
