Electric cars under R1 million in South Africa

January 4, 2026

Six new electric vehicle (EV) models priced under R1 million went on sale in South Africa during 2025, the largest new annual contingent of EVs at this price point yet to arrive in the country.

When MyBroadband previously compiled a list of passenger EVs available under R1 million in January 2025, eight distinct options were available. That was double the selection on offer from the year before.

However, the list at the start of 2025 included two EVs that could not reach South Africa’s maximum highway speed of 120km/h — the EVAfrica City Blitz and Daiyun Yeuhu S5.

In December 2025, there were 12 models on the market — all of which could reach 120km/h. Two of the new options — the BYD Dolphin Surf and Dongfeng Box — could be had for less than R500,000.

Previously, the cheapest model that could drive at the most common highway speed limit in South Africa was the BYD Dolphin, which was priced from R539,900 for the entry-level model.

Its smaller Surf sibling became the most affordable EV available in South Africa when it launched in September 2025, with a price tag starting from R339,900.

The two-door City Blitz provided a cheaper entry point at R239,000 in 2024. However, the Surf’s power, range, top speed, tech features, and safety put it in an altogether different league.

It has over seven times the output, a 50km/h faster top speed, a three times larger battery, two more doors, and a global NCAP safety rating of five stars.

Support for DC charging, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in 32 minutes, also makes it a more viable option for longer-distance trips.

However, it should be noted that travelling over 100km/h consistently will not allow for reaching the 232km WLTP range, which is based on a mix of urban and freeway driving.

A more realistic EV range on the highway should be around 70% to 80% of the WLTP figure, which works out to 162km to 186km.

That should be sufficient for travel on major routes, such as the N3 between Gauteng and Durban, the N4 from Gauteng to Nelspruit, and the N1 from Gauteng to Polokwane.

EV sales down despite cheaper options

Three new higher-end EVs that provide over 300km of WLTP range are the Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica, Mini Aceman, Geely E5, and Changan Deepal S07 L.

Despite the expanded selection of more affordable models, South Africa’s EV sales have faltered in 2025.

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, the market appears headed for a year-on-year decline in annual sales.

Between January 2025 and October 2025, 902 EVs were sold in South Africa, 242 fewer than over the same period in 2024.

However, it should be noted that these figures do not include BYD’s tally. The Chinese carmaker must still share its sales figures with The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa).

Although the models available under R1 million offer good value for money considering their features and capabilities, EVs are only expected to reach price parity with petrol models in 2027.

While lithium-ion battery prices have dropped, South Africa makes no EVs locally, and vehicle import duties and ad valorem taxes are generally very high.

Those seeking better prices will find many more used EVs available for under R1 million, some of which are 30% to 50% cheaper than new despite having limited mileage and long warranties remaining.

Below are the eleven EVs available for less than R1 million in South Africa in November 2025. Only the cheapest derivative of each model is listed.