South Africa’s electric‑vehicle market remains a peculiar outlier, with plug‑in hybrid models (PHEVs) dominating sales by more than two to one over pure battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs) last year. Despite this skewed mix, overall adoption is still trapped below the 1 % mark of new car registrations, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Electric Vehicle Outlook 2026. The report paints a picture of a nation grappling with unreliable charging infrastructure, frequent load‑shedding and a nascent local manufacturing base, while Chinese brands rush in to claim a growing slice of the continent’s modest EV pie.
The IEA estimates South African EV sales – PHEVs and BEVs combined – at 3 800 units in 2025, trailing Egypt’s 7 900 and Morocco’s 5 500. Those three markets together accounted for almost 70 % of all African electric‑car registrations. What truly sets South Africa apart is the composition of those sales: over 70 % were plug‑in hybrids, a reversal of the global norm where BEVs now command the majority of new‑car purchases.
Why South Africa’s EV landscape leans heavily toward plug‑in hybrids
Local buyers appear to be hedging against the country’s patchy public‑charging network and the legacy of load‑shedding. A vehicle that can seamlessly switch to petrol offers a safety net that pure‑battery models cannot yet guarantee. This consumer preference dovetails with the IEA’s observation that Chinese manufacturers are tightening their grip on the continent’s fast‑growing EV segment. BYD’s share of African electric‑car sales surged from roughly 4 % in 2023 to 35 % in 2025, while European marques, which held about 40 % of the market in 2023, have seen their dominance erode.
| Market | Total EV sales 2025 | PHEV share | BEV share | Dominant manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 3 800 | > 70 % | < 30 % | BYD (35 % of African sales) |
| Egypt | 7 900 | 45 % | 55 % | Hyundai/Kia |
| Morocco | 5 500 | 38 % | 62 % | Renault |
The table underscores how South Africa’s plug‑in hybrid dominance contrasts sharply with its neighbours, where pure‑electric models already enjoy a majority. BYD’s rapid ascent signals a broader shift toward Chinese‑origin vehicles across Africa, mirroring trends observed in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Industry voices warn that the current trajectory is unsustainable without decisive policy action. Hiten Parmar, executive director of the non‑profit The Electric Mission, urged the automotive sector to “transition to producing zero‑emission vehicles urgently in the lead‑up to 2035,” aligning with both the EU’s timeline and the South African Automotive Masterplan. Parmar also highlighted the need for the Integrated Resource Plan to be activated, ensuring sufficient energy capacity to support a swifter electrification of transport.
South Africa EV market – the push for a local manufacturing push
South Africa’s import profile mirrors the broader continental swing toward Chinese brands. While European imports still represent a substantial portion of the market, Chinese‑made EVs captured a noticeably larger slice in 2025 compared with 2024. Domestic production, by contrast, remains minimal – a fact that complicates the Automotive Masterplan’s dual goals of fostering local jobs and meeting emissions targets.
The IEA groups South Africa with other oil‑importing emerging economies such as Thailand and Chile, where energy‑security concerns create a strong incentive for rapid EV uptake. Their analysis suggests the quickest path to higher adoption rates lies in increased imports of affordable Chinese electric cars, while domestic incentives for local assembly are positioned as a longer‑term strategy. This recommendation, however, clashes with policy aims to protect and expand South Africa’s automotive manufacturing base.
| Policy Option | Short‑term impact | Long‑term impact |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Chinese EV imports | Quick jump in sales, lower prices | Potential loss of local jobs, dependence on imports |
| Incentivise local EV production | Slower uptake, higher costs initially | Sustainable job growth, technology transfer, emissions reductions |
The takeaway is clear: while cheaper imports can accelerate market penetration, they risk undermining the very ecosystem the Automotive Masterplan seeks to nurture.
Across the continent, the IEA projects 23 million electric cars will be sold in 2026, representing roughly 28 % of all new‑car registrations worldwide. South Africa, at its current pace, is unlikely to approach that share for several years. Without a concerted effort to expand charging infrastructure, stabilise power supply and create a robust local supply chain, the nation may continue to lag behind global trends.
As the electric‑mobility narrative unfolds, South African consumers are already showing a pragmatic bent – choosing hybrids that blend the familiarity of petrol with the promise of electrification. Whether this cautious approach will evolve into a full‑scale shift toward zero‑emission vehicles depends heavily on policy direction, investment in grid resilience and the ability of local manufacturers to adapt swiftly. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the momentum is unmistakable, and the choices made now will shape South Africa’s place in the global EV transition.