Why South Africa’s Shift to EVs Isn’t as Simple as It Seems

As South Africa works towards switching to electric vehicles (EVs), one big question remains: are they really cheaper to own and run than petrol cars?

The answer isn’t straightforward it depends on both the upfront cost and the long-term savings.

Electric cars cost much less to run. Driving an EV for 100 kilometers costs around R34.74, while a petrol car costs R144.65 for the same distance—about 76% more.

This is because electric motors are more efficient, and electricity is cheaper than petrol.

However, the savings in running costs are balanced out by the higher purchase price of EVs.

On average, electric cars are 38% more expensive than petrol cars, with some models costing up to 52% more.

For example, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine costs R1,205,000, while the petrol-powered BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine is R788,045—a difference of R416,955.

Similarly, the Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor costs R1,108,000, compared to the petrol Volvo B4 Ultimate Dark at R817,000, making it R291,000 more expensive.

Because of these price gaps, it can take over ten years of fuel savings for an EV to make up for its higher cost.

Despite this, electric cars offer other benefits beyond fuel savings. They need less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes.

This means lower service costs over time. EVs also help reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, which is an important issue in South Africa.

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But switching to EVs isn’t easy. One big challenge is the lack of charging stations, most of which are in wealthier areas.

This makes it harder for lower-income communities to benefit from EVs. Another issue is unreliable electricity, with frequent power cuts making people worry about charging their cars.

For EVs to succeed in South Africa, several things need to happen. The government and private sector should invest in more public charging stations, especially in all communities, not just wealthy ones.

Cutting taxes on EVs and encouraging local production could make them more affordable.

Using solar power to charge EVs during the day could also lower electricity costs and reduce reliance on the grid.

In the end, while electric cars are cheaper to run than petrol cars, their high purchase price and infrastructure issues remain major obstacles.

However, with the right policies and investments, South Africa can benefit from EVs, both economically and environmentally.

As the world moves toward cleaner transportation, South Africa has a chance to lead the way by making EVs more accessible and practical for everyone.