Although the rate of EV adoption in South Africa won’t depend solely on the products on offer, it’s likely to be driven by more affordable models, such as the finalists of the 2025 CarsAwards EV category, of which the Mini Countryman SE ALL4 is our winner.
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.
The Electric Vehicle (EV) category
The winner of the Electric Vehicle (EV) category of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (2025 CarsAwards) represents the best value EV 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 was guided by both eligibility factors and pillars of success.
Eligibility factors for this category included a list price below R1 300 000 at the time of semi-finalist voting. Eligible vehicles had to be all-electric (which is to say battery-electric vehicles) and offer a minimum range of 300 km when fully charged. This category excluded hybrids and plug-in EVs.
Pillars of success for this category included power and range, luxury and technology, value for money, design and quality appeal.
WINNER:
Mini Countryman SE ALL4
The latest-gen Mini Countryman has grown significantly and the SE ALL4 shares many components (particularly its EV drivetrain) with its BMW iX1 cousin, which it narrowly defeated in the EV category of the 2025 CarsAwards. The Mini’s combined score (78.6%) pipped that of the BMW (77.5%).
Power comes from a 66.45 kW/h battery pack and the Mini’s electric motor delivers 230 kW and 494 Nm of torque. Consequently, the Countryman performs impressively, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.6 sec and a top speed of 180 kph. More importantly, Mini claims a range of between 399 and 432 km.
The Countryman SE is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
View the Price & Specs of the Mini Countryman SE ALL4
Read a review of the Mini Countryman
Find a Mini Countryman for sale on Cars.co.za
RUNNERS UP:
BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport
Our outgoing category champion (the EV winner of the 2023/24 CarsAwards) still offers an alluring combination of traditional compact SUV packaging, luxury, good dynamics and an efficient drivetrain.
The iX1 xDrive30 M Sport (230 kW/494 Nm) has a 64.7 kW/h battery pack and a claimed range of up to 440 km. It’s also a strong performer, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 5.6 sec and a 180-kph top speed.
The iX1 is backed with a 2-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery pack warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
View the Price & Specs of the BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport
Find a BMW iX1 for sale on Cars.co.za
Volvo EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance
Designed from the ground up to be an electric vehicle, the Volvo EX30 is a well-priced offering, even in flagship Plus Twin Motor Performance specification. This variant achieved a combined score of 69.3%.
Watch Ash Oldfield’s video review of the Volvo EX30:
With 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque on tap, the EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance packs a strong punch, with a supercar-rivalling claimed 0-100 kph time of 3.6 sec and a top speed limited to 180 kph. Power comes from a 64kW/h battery pack, and the EX30 has a claimed range of up to 450 km.
The EX30 is backed with a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
View the Price & Specs of the Volvo EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance
Find a Volvo EX30 for sale on Cars.co.za
More about the #CarsAwards
The winners of the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa (as well as the recipient of the prestigious Brand of the Year title) was announced on 27 February 2025.
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