Thanks to an influx of Chinese brands, South Africa’s new-vehicle market features several more affordable EVs than in years gone by. Here are the 5 cheapest examples…
Back in 2023, the most affordable fully electric vehicle (EV) on South Africa’s new-car market was priced at nearly R800 000. Today, the cheapest battery-powered model available in Mzansi costs well under half that figure.
Mirroring a phenomenon we’ve already seen in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) space, Chinese brands have started something of a price war in the local EV market, which means SA buyers now have several far more affordable options than in years gone by.
Note we’ve not been able to include the Dayun S5 here as its distributor, Enviro Automotive, doesn’t currently list a retail price on its website. Right, let’s take a closer look at the 5 cheapest EVs (prices correct in August 2026)…
1. Geely E2 Aspire – from R339 900
Serving as China’s best-selling vehicle overall in 2025, the Geely E2 – which measures 4 135 mm long – recently grabbed the title of SA’s cheapest EV. Equipped with a 39.4 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack and an electric motor driving the rear wheels, this hatchback features peak outputs of 85 kW and 150 Nm. The base Aspire derivative is priced from R339 900, while the more generously specified Apex variant comes in at R389 900.
- Claimed range: 325 km
- Battery warranty: 8 years/200 000 km
- Find a Geely on Cars.co.za
2. BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort – from R341 900
Measuring 3 925 mm front to back, the BYD Dolphin Surf is more compact than the Geely E2. Its front-mounted electric motor generates 55 kW and 135 Nm, drawing urge from a 30.1 kWh battery pack. While the Comfort grade kicks off at R341 900, the Dynamic derivative costs R395 900 and upgrades to a 38.9 kWh battery.
- Claimed range: 300 km (Comfort)/400 km (Dynamic)
- Battery warranty: 8 years/200 000 km
- Find a BYD on Cars.co.za
3. Dongfeng Box E2 430 – from R349 000
Like its pair of rivals above, the 4 020 mm-long Dongfeng Box is a 5-seater electric hatchback. The local range has been pared back to 2 derivatives and pricing adjusted downwards. Each variant is fitted with a front-mounted electric motor delivering peak outputs of 70 kW and 160 Nm. The earlier versions with the 32.6 kWh battery pack have gone, while the E2 and E3 (R389 900) each employ a 43.9 kWh battery pack.
- Claimed range: 430 km
- Battery warranty: 8 years/200 000 km
- Find a Dongfeng on Cars.co.za
4. Chery Q Comfort – R349 900
Chery’s new Q features a rear-mounted electric motor generating 90 kW and 115 Nm. This crossover measures 4 195 mm from front to back. Though a smaller battery pack is available in China, the SA market receives only the larger 42.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate item. The Chinese brand also offers the Q in Elite specification, priced from R389 900.
- Claimed range: 400 km
- Battery warranty: TBC
- Find a Chery on Cars.co.za
5. Dongfeng 06 E1 – from R499 000
The Dongfeng 06 E1 – which wears the Vigo badge in many international markets – is a 4 510 mm long crossover. The Chinese brand offers 2 variants in South Africa, both of which feature a front-mounted electric motor offering 120 kW and 230 Nm. The E1 (R499 000) employs a 44.9 kWh battery pack, while the E3 (R579 900) upgrades to a 51.9 kWh item.
- Claimed range: 401 km (E1)/471 km (E3)
- Battery warranty: 8 years/200 000 km
- Find a Dongfeng on Cars.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is currently the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) available in South Africa?
A: The Geely E2 Aspire is currently South Africa’s cheapest electric vehicle, with pricing starting from R339 900.
Q: Which Chinese EV models make up the top 4 most affordable electric cars in SA under R350 000?
A: The top 4 most affordable EVs priced below R350 000 are the Geely E2 Aspire (R339 900), the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort (R341 900), the Dongfeng Box E2 430 (R349 000) and the Chery Q Comfort (R349 900).
Q: How do the entry-level Geely E2 Aspire and BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort compare in battery size and driving range?
A: The Geely E2 Aspire features a 39.4 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery offering a claimed range of up to 325 km. In comparison, the entry-level BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort utilises a smaller 30.1 kWh battery providing a claimed range of 300 km.
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