The joke goes, will I get stuck on the freeway with my electric vehicle, when there’s load shedding?
Charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest drawbacks for new vehicles owners, fearing that they may get stuck mid-journey without any quick means to refuel. South Africans love road-tripping and stopping off at garages along the way to replenish, is very much a part of the experience. Drivers are generally able to judge when another petrol top-up is needed, and even if they misjudge it to the next freeway stop, there is usually a smaller garage within reach. This peace of mind is something that we all grew up with road tripping with our parents, and may be part of the reason that electric vehicles (EVs) remain a rare sight on South African roads.
But according to the 2024 AutoTrader New Energy Vehicle Report, an increasing number of consumers are interested in battery-electric vehicles, traditional hybrids, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). And it’s not hard to see why. Lower running costs, superior refinement, and, of course, the environmental benefits are all drawcards. Despite this, 94% of survey respondents said they have not owned an NEV. Among those who have previously owned an NEV (6%), 73% said they have owned hybrids, while 21% had owned electric vehicles. 6% of these respondents have owned both hybrid and electric vehicles.
“The automotive industry is changing at a rapid pace, with hybrids and battery-electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. Like all new technologies and industry shifts, the road to electrification isn’t without obstructions, but growing sales and consumer interest proves the segment is on the rise,” said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.
Electrification is relatively new to the SA motoring landscape, which means tech-savvy youths and early adopters are more likely to purchase or want to purchase an EV, as opposed to more traditional car buyers. That being said, challenges and concerns are plaguing would-be EV owners in South Africa.
Charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest drawbacks for consumers, with 55% of respondents describing it as the top disadvantage of an NEV. Electrified cars also tend to be more expensive, with 46% of survey respondents citing the initial higher cost of purchase as the second biggest disadvantage of new energy vehicles.
However, progress is being made in leaps and bounds, and charging stations are popping up across the country at an increasing pace. For individuals who are still hesitant to make the leap, hybrids and PHEVs are excellent bridging technologies, providing many of the EV benefits with the safety net of a combustion engine and lower price tags.
Unsurprisingly, this is reflected in the used car sales statistics. Year-on-year, hybrid car sales increased by 88% in 2024, highlighting the strong interest in fuel-efficient vehicles. EV sales enjoyed equally strong growth, albeit off a low base, with sales increasing by 78% over the same period. As more manufacturers introduce electric vehicles to the market (particularly affordable priced models), it is expected that these numbers will continue to increase.
You will be able to satisfy your curiosity and ask all the questions that’s been on your mind at eFest 2024 – the pre-imminent showcase of all things EVs, Hybrids and more. Come join us at the Killarney Motor Show, on Sunday, 3 November 2024, when car enthusiasts gather to appreciate modified cars, vintage cars, super cars, racing cars, bikes and many demonstrations of spinning, stunt driving, track driving, test driving, and even model cars.
Besides the opportunity to test drive some EVs on the Killarney track, the day is also filled with fun activities for the whole family, such as live bands, food trucks, brand activations, kiddie play parks, samplings, BMX and skate boarding tracks. eFest brings an exciting new dynamic to the Killarney Motor Show, putting electric cars, trucks, buses, tractors, scooters, bikes, drones, inverters, PV solutions, home batteries, next-gen UPSs, cameras, solar energy, automation and general electronic devices at the forefront of the electronic (R)evolution.