4 Exciting New EVs in South Africa

Electric mobility in South Africa is picking up speed, and it’s no longer just the domain of early adopters or luxury car buyers. From budget-friendly hatchbacks to rugged electric bakkies and stylish mini-SUVs, there’s now an EV in South Africa for just about every lifestyle.

The Drive South Africa team has rounded up four of the most exciting newcomers to our roads: the BYD Dolphin, the Isuzu D-Max EV, the BYD Atto 1, and the Volvo EX30 Cross Country. Whether you’re chasing affordability, performance, or adventure – there’s something here for you. Read on to learn more.

1. BYD Dolphin – Big Value in a Small Package

The Dolphin is already seen as one of the best EVs in South Africa | Photo: Dolphin

If you’ve been waiting for an electric car that won’t make your bank account flinch, the BYD Dolphin could be the answer. It’s already making waves as one of the best-value EVs in South Africa, offering an impressive balance of range, comfort, and features at a price point that’s hard to ignore. You can choose between two versions:

• The Standard Range, with a 44.9 kWh battery (up to 340 km range)
• The Extended Range, with a bigger 60.48 kWh battery (up to 427 km range)

The Extended Range is also the sprinter of the family, hitting 0-100 kph in just 7 seconds. Details at a glance:

• Retail price: Standard Range ± R539,900; Extended Range ± R599,900
• Service plan & warranty: 3-year/60 000 km service plan, 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty (with some packages offering slightly more)
• Bottom line: Incredible affordability without skimping on range or features

2. Isuzu D-Max EV – A Bakkie with a Silent Punch

The Isuzu D-Max EV has a 66.9 kWh battery feeding 140 kW and 325 Nm to all four wheels | Photo: Isuzu

South Africans love their bakkies, so it was only a matter of time before one of our favourites went electric. Enter the Isuzu D-Max EV – a tough, all-wheel-drive 4×4 that swaps diesel clatter for near-silent torque.

Under the skin, it’s got a 66.9 kWh battery feeding 140 kW and 325 Nm to all four wheels. On a full charge, expect around 263 km in mixed driving, or as much as 361 km if you stick to the city. Fast-charging from 20% to 80% takes about an hour, so coffee breaks just got a little more practical. Details at a glance:

• Retail price: TBC for South Africa
• Service plan and warranty: Yet to be confirmed, but expect similar to current D-Max bakkies (around 5-year/120 000 km)
• Bottom line: South Africa’s first all-electric bakkie – still tough, just quieter and cleaner

3. BYD Atto 1 – Affordable, Clever, and Coming Soon

The BYD Atto 1 is loaded with tech for your convenience | Photo: BYD

Think of the BYD Atto 1 as the Dolphin’s smaller, city-friendly cousin – with a price tag that could dip under R400,000 when it launches here in September 2025. That would make it one of the most affordable EVs in South Africa.

Inside, it’s loaded with tech, including a rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. That last feature means you can plug devices into your car – very handy for load-shedding or camping trips. Details at a glance:

• Retail price: Expected under R400,000
• Service plan & warranty: Likely to mirror the Dolphin – 3-year/60 000 km service plan, 5-year/100 000 km warranty, 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty
• Bottom line: Super-affordable EV with the bonus of powering your gadgets on the go

4. Volvo EX30 Cross Country – Small SUV, Big Attitude

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country has extra ground clearance (190 mm) and protective cladding | Photo: Volvo

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is proof that small EVs can still pack a punch. With 315 kW and 543 Nm on tap, it rockets from 0-100 kph in just 3.7 seconds – numbers you’d expect from a sports car, not a compact SUV.

It’s got a rugged side too, with extra ground clearance (190 mm) and protective cladding for tackling gravel roads. Range is a healthy 427 km from its 69 kWh battery, and Volvo sweetens the deal with an ownership package that includes a home wallbox, two years of free public charging, Vodacom data, and more. Details at a glance:

• Retail price: From R1,165,000
• Service plan & warranty: 5-year/100 000 km warranty, 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty, 3-year/60 000 km maintenance plan, roadside assistance, charging perks, and data
• Bottom line: Blistering performance, luxury feel, and genuine all-road capability in a small package

Make the Most of Your EV with Drive South Africa’s Charging Map

Whether you’re road-tripping in a Dolphin or testing the limits of an EX30 Cross Country, knowing where to plug in is key. Drive South Africa’s EV Charging Stations Map makes it easy to plan your journeys, locate fast chargers, and explore without worrying about your range.

From Cape Town to Limpopo, it’s your go-to tool for making the most of EV South Africa – and it’s updated regularly to keep up with the country’s growing charging network.

The Bottom Line

The local EV scene is buzzing with fresh options, from budget hatchbacks to premium crossovers and even a fully electric bakkie. The BYD Dolphin and Atto 1 are pushing affordability boundaries, the Isuzu D-Max EV brings electric muscle to the workhorse segment, and the Volvo EX30 Cross Country blends speed with adventure.

Pair your choice with a smart charging plan, and South Africa’s electric roads are yours to explore.