BMW’s iX1 was crowned as South Africa’s Best Electric Vehicle when it took the trophy in this new category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered as future mobility solutions in an evolving motoring landscape. While they are expensive in our market, due to high material costs and additional taxes levied by the Government, demand for these types of vehicles is increasing gradually. Plus, as brands increase the number of EVs in their line-ups, consumers have an ever-growing number of models to choose from.
What do we look for in an electric vehicle?
The 2024 Best Electric Vehicle must represent the best value EVs in this rarefied segment, with enough range to confidently complete the average daily commute, while providing a blend of modern design, interior practicality, adequate performance and up-to-date tech and connectivity features.
This category is guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category include a list price below R1 300 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting (September 1, 2023). Eligible vehicles must be all-electric (which is to say battery-electric vehicles) and offer a minimum range of 300 km when fully charged. This category excludes hybrids and plug-in EVs.
Pillars of success for this category include power and range, luxury and technology, value for money, design and quality appeal.
2024 Best Electric Vehicle: CarsAwards Winner
BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport
Like most legacy premium brands, BMW offers a blend of internal-combustion engine-based models, which are adapted to utilise all-electric drivetrains, and all-electric cars built on dedicated EV platforms.
The Munich-based brand has family-friendly SUVs and performance sedans in its electric vehicle line-up, but the iX1 appears to be the “Goldilocks model” for an all-electric raised-body city slicker. It’s competitively priced, boasts impressive levels of tech and its range is adequate for the daily commute. BMW SA has an extensive dealership footprint as well as a reputation for strong after-sales support.
Find a BMW X1 for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNER-UP: GWM Ora 300 Super Luxury
Chinese brand Ora (which, like Haval, is a sub-brand of Great Wall Motor) offers one of SA’s most affordable electric cars with its cute-looking 300 (which is named the Cat in other markets). Photos don’t do it justice – it’s actually a larger vehicle than it looks, and can easily accommodate four adults.
The claimed range and performance figures are good, plus the standard specification and build quality are impressive for a vehicle at this price point. Who said electric cars all have to cost over R1 million?
Read an international launch review of the Ora 03
RUNNER-UP: Volvo XC40 Twin Motor Ultimate
Volvo is forging ahead with its electric-car strategy (it plans to offer only EVs by 2030) and its line-up of battery-electric compact SUVs – including the C40- and XC40 Recharge derivatives are very impressive.
With the Twin Motor setup, the XC40 Recharge is one of the quickest offerings in Volvo’s line-up and its claimed range (500 km) is admirable, considering its punchy performance. Inside, you get that typically classy cabin that looks and feels premium, and let’s not forget Volvo’s stellar safety credentials either.
Read a review of the Volvo XC40 Recharge
Find a Volvo XC40 for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
Find out which cars were winners in the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title).
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