{"title":"EV GUIDES","description":"\u003cp\u003ePractical, no-nonsense guides for South Africans going electric, written by the team that runs EVs every day. No sales pitch, no manufacturer spin — just what you need to know before you buy, charge or own an electric car. Every guide is an instant download and includes a R100 voucher toward your next Drive Electric experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"south-african-ev-buyers-guide-2026","title":"THE SOUTH AFRICAN EV BUYER'S GUIDE — 2026 EDITION","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEverything you need to know before buying your first electric car.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBefore you spend R500,000, R700,000 or R1 million+ on an EV, spend R150 understanding what you're buying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBuying an electric car is different from buying a petrol or diesel car. Range, charging, battery health, electricity costs, home charging and even the type of EV you choose can make a huge difference to your ownership experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a practical, no-nonsense guide created specifically for the South African market. No sales pitch, no manufacturer spin — just what you actually need to understand before signing on the dotted line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's inside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs an EV actually right for you?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBEV vs PHEV — which type suits your lifestyle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRange and battery basics — real-world vs advertised figures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharging in South Africa — home, public, AC vs DC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoad trips and long-distance planning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat an EV really costs — beyond the purchase price\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNew vs used — what to check, including battery health\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat to look for in a South African EV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuestions to ask the dealer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour pre-purchase checklist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour EV cost worksheet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYou, if you're:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThinking about buying your first EV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComparing EVs with petrol or diesel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeciding between a BEV and PHEV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnsure how much range you actually need\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsidering a used EV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLooking at EVs in the R500,000–R1m+ range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimply trying to avoid an expensive mistake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreated by Drive Electric\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWe run electric vehicles every day — chauffeur services, tours, corporate mobility, rentals. We charge them, maintain them, and put real kilometres on them. This guide comes from that experience, not a manufacturer's marketing department.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus: R100 Drive Electric voucher\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEvery guide includes a R100 voucher toward your next Drive Electric chauffeur, tour or rental booking — valid for 12 months, revealed inside your copy of the guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you receive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e16-page digital PDF guide, instant download. No shipping, no waiting — read it on your phone, tablet or laptop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eR150\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DriveElectric","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48395270094963,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/0049\/0099\/files\/Drive_Electric_-_EV_Buyers_Guide_2026_Cover.png?v=1791620051"},{"product_id":"sa-ev-home-charging-solar-guide-2026-edition","title":"THE SOUTH AFRICAN EV HOME CHARGING \u0026 SOLAR GUIDE — 2026 EDITION","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEverything you need to know about charging an electric car at home in South Africa.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBefore you spend R17,000–R35,000 on a home charger and installation, spend R150 understanding what you actually need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eCharging is the part of EV ownership you live with every day. The right setup makes it cheap and effortless. The wrong one means an oversized charger your car can’t use, a main breaker that trips every evening, or solar power you’re selling back to the grid for a fraction of what it’s worth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis is a practical, no-nonsense guide created specifically for South African homes, tariffs and conditions. No sales pitch, no installer upsell — just what you need to know before you buy a charger, call an electrician or add solar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s inside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharging basics in plain language — kW vs kWh, AC vs DC, plugs and charging times\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoosing a home charger — options, 2026 prices and the features worth paying for\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstallation — what it should cost, what drives the price up, and questions to ask your electrician\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat charging really costs — Cape Town tariffs and an EV vs petrol cost per 100 km\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolar and your EV — what solar can realistically do, and registering your system in Cape Town\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe grid, load-shedding and backup power — and why your charger shouldn’t be on your inverter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePublic charging in South Africa — the networks, what they charge, and road-trip rules\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo driveway? Charging in complexes, apartments and at work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTen expensive mistakes to avoid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour home charging checklist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour charging cost worksheet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eYou, if you’re:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbout to take delivery of your first EV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting quotes for a home charger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWondering whether you need three-phase or a 22 kW charger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThinking about adding solar to charge your car\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLiving in a complex or estate and need body corporate approval\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrying to work out what an EV will really cost you to run\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimply trying to avoid an expensive mistake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreated by Drive Electric\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWe run electric vehicles every day — chauffeur services, tours, corporate mobility, rentals. We charge them at home, at work and on the road, and we’ve learned what actually matters. This guide comes from that experience, not a charger manufacturer’s marketing department.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus: R100 Drive Electric voucher\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEvery guide includes a R100 voucher toward your next Drive Electric chauffeur, tour or rental booking — valid for 12 months, revealed inside your copy of the guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you receive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e15-page digital PDF guide, instant download. No shipping, no waiting — read it on your phone, tablet or laptop.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DriveElectric","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":66832592601203,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/0049\/0099\/files\/Drive_Electric_-_SA_EV_Home_Charging_Solar_Guide_2026_Cover.png?v=1791620105"},{"product_id":"the-south-african-used-ev-buyers-checklist-2026-edition","title":"THE SOUTH AFRICAN USED EV BUYER'S CHECKLIST — 2026 EDITION","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEverything you need to check before buying a used electric car in South Africa.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you spend R200,000, R400,000 or R700,000+ on a used EV, spend a few minutes making sure the battery, the papers and the price stack up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA used EV can be one of the best-value cars on the road — the first owner has already paid for the steepest depreciation. But you can't check it like a petrol car. There's no engine to listen to. What matters is the health of a battery you can't see, a warranty you need to confirm, and a few EV-specific wear points most buyers never think about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a practical, no-nonsense checklist created specifically for the South African used-car market. Take it to the viewing: the inspection, test-drive and seller-question pages are designed to be printed or ticked off on your phone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's inside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs a used EV a good buy? — depreciation, and the signs a used EV suits you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattery health, explained — what state of health means and what's normal for the car's age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to get the battery checked — dealer reports, EV specialists and a DIY range test\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty and paperwork — battery warranties, transfers, finance and the app account\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrey imports and other red flags — how to spot a car you shouldn't touch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe walk-around inspection — printable checklist, including the battery pack underneath\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe test drive — printable checklist, including the charging test most buyers skip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuestions to ask the seller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNegotiating the price — what each finding should do to your offer, and when to walk away\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour used EV deal scorecard — compare two cars side by side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou, if you're:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLooking at a used EV from a dealer or private seller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnsure how to tell if a used EV's battery is healthy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComparing a used EV with a new one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorried about grey imports or a car with hidden problems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWanting to negotiate with facts, not guesswork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimply trying to avoid an expensive mistake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreated by Drive Electric\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe buy, run and maintain electric vehicles every day — chauffeur services, tours, corporate mobility, rentals. We know what wears, what fails and what to ask. This checklist comes from that experience, not a dealer's sales floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus: R100 Drive Electric voucher\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery guide includes a R100 voucher toward your next Drive Electric chauffeur, tour or rental booking — valid for 12 months, revealed inside your copy of the guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you receive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14-page digital PDF checklist, instant download. No shipping, no waiting — read it on your phone, tablet or laptop, or print the checklist pages for your viewing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DriveElectric","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":66832624713843,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/0049\/0099\/files\/Drive_Electric_-_SA_Used_EV_Buyers_Checklist_2026_Cover.png?v=1791620078"},{"product_id":"the-south-african-ev-vs-petrol-cost-calculator-2026-edition","title":"THE SOUTH AFRICAN EV VS PETROL COST CALCULATOR — 2026 EDITION","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSee what an electric car would really cost you to run — with your own numbers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you spend R500,000 or more on an EV, spend R150 finding out whether it actually saves you money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery EV ad promises big savings. But your saving depends on your kilometres, your electricity tariff, where you charge and the cars you're actually comparing. This calculator works it out for you — in minutes, using South African tariffs and fuel prices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType in your numbers and instantly see your monthly fuel saving, your payback period and the full 5-year cost of each car, side by side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's inside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour headline result — how much you could save (or spend) every month by going electric\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCost per 100 km — EV vs petrol or diesel, based on your tariff and fuel price\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharging mix — see the difference between home, solar, public AC and fast charging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayback period — how long the savings take to cover the extra upfront cost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5-year cost of ownership — purchase, home charger, energy, servicing, insurance and resale value\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYear-by-year comparison with charts, including rising electricity and fuel prices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSouth African reference figures — current Cape Town tariffs, public charging rates and fuel prices, with sources\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou, if you're:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeciding between an EV and a petrol or diesel car\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWondering whether an EV makes financial sense for your driving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComparing the cost of charging at home, on solar or at public chargers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaking the case for an EV to your partner, your boss or your finance department\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimply trying to avoid an expensive mistake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreated by Drive Electric\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe run electric vehicles every day — chauffeur services, tours, corporate mobility, rentals. We track what they really cost to charge and run. This calculator is built on that experience, not a manufacturer's marketing claims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus: R100 Drive Electric voucher\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery purchase includes a R100 voucher toward your next Drive Electric chauffeur, tour or rental booking — valid for 12 months, revealed inside the calculator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you receive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Excel spreadsheet, instant download. Works in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and Apple Numbers. Best used on a laptop or tablet — on a phone, open it in the free Excel or Google Sheets app.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DriveElectric","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":66832826990707,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/0049\/0099\/files\/DriveElectric-EVCalculator2026Cover.png?v=1791624574"},{"product_id":"the-complete-south-african-ev-toolkit-2026-bundle","title":"THE COMPLETE SOUTH AFRICAN EV TOOLKIT — 2026 BUNDLE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll four Drive Electric guides and tools in one download — save R101.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything you need to choose, buy, charge and run an electric car in South Africa, for R499 instead of R600.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoing electric is one of the biggest purchases you'll make, and every part of it is different from a petrol car: the range, the battery, the charging, the running costs, even how you check a used one. This toolkit covers the whole journey, from \"is an EV right for me?\" to plugging in at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe South African EV Buyer's Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e — is an EV right for you, BEV vs PHEV, range and battery basics, real costs, new vs used, questions for the dealer and a pre-purchase checklist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe South African EV Home Charging \u0026amp; Solar Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e — choosing a charger, what installation should cost, real running costs, solar, the grid and public charging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe South African Used EV Buyer's Checklist\u003c\/strong\u003e — battery health, warranty and paperwork, grey-import red flags, printable inspection and test-drive checklists, and how to negotiate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe EV vs Petrol Cost Calculator\u003c\/strong\u003e — enter your own numbers to see your monthly saving, payback period and 5-year cost of ownership\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho this is for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou, if you're:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeriously considering your first EV, new or used\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComparing EVs with petrol or diesel cars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanning a home charger or solar setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWanting the full picture before spending R500,000 or more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimply trying to avoid an expensive mistake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreated by Drive Electric\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe run electric vehicles every day — chauffeur services, tours, corporate mobility, rentals. We buy them, charge them, maintain them and put real kilometres on them. This toolkit comes from that experience, not a manufacturer's marketing department.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus: R100 Drive Electric voucher\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes a R100 voucher toward your next Drive Electric chauffeur, tour or rental booking — valid for 12 months, revealed inside your guides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you receive\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree digital PDF guides and one Excel spreadsheet, instant download. Read the guides on any device; the calculator works in Excel, Google Sheets and Apple Numbers, best on a laptop or tablet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DriveElectric","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":66832882991219,"sku":null,"price":499.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/0049\/0099\/files\/DriveElectric-EV-Toolkit-BundleCover_e01969ad-2162-4a5b-a8f8-f956386df6fe.png?v=1791627875"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.driveelectric.co.za\/collections\/ev-guides.oembed","provider":"DriveElectric","version":"1.0","type":"link"}