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 May 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 R393 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 E1 330 – from R459 000
Like its pair of rivals above, the 4 020 mm-long Dongfeng Box is a 5-seater electric hatchback. All 4 derivatives in the local range come standard with a front-mounted electric motor, which delivers peak outputs of 70 kW and 160 Nm. While the E1 (R459 000) and E2 (R469 000) feature a 32.6 kWh battery pack, the E3 (R499 000) and E4 (R519 900) upgrade to a 43.9 kWh battery pack, offering added range.
- Claimed range: 330 km (E1 and E2)/430 km (E3 and E4)
- Battery warranty: 8 years/200 000 km
- Find a Dongfeng on Cars.co.za
4. Dongfeng 06 E1 – from R499 000
While all 3 models above are hatchbacks, the freshly launched 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
5. iCaur V23 RWD – from R519 900
The new iCaur V23 – a boxy, retro-styled unibody crossover – grabs the final spot on the list of South Africa’s 5 most affordable EVs. The rear-driven base variant offers peak outputs of 100 kW and 180 Nm from a single electric motor. The V23 RWD employs a 59.93 kWh battery pack, while the pricier AWD derivative (available from R669 900, gaining a 2nd electric motor, and generating 155 kW and 292 Nm) upgrades to an 81.8 kWh item.
- Claimed range: 360 km (RWD)/430 km (AWD)
- Battery warranty: 8 years/160 000 km
- iCaur listings coming soon to Cars.co.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About South Africa’s Most Affordable EVs
Q: How has the entry-level price for electric vehicles changed in South Africa since 2023?
A: The shift has been dramatic. In 2023, the cheapest EV in Mzansi cost nearly R800 000. As of April 2026, thanks to a “price war” led by Chinese manufacturers, the barrier to entry has dropped by more than half, with the Geely E2 Aspire now leading the market at just R339 900.
Q: What are the differences between the two most affordable models, the Geely E2 and the BYD Dolphin Surf?
A: While only R2 000 separates them in price, they offer different setups. The Geely E2 (R339 900) is a larger hatchback (4 135 mm) with a rear-wheel-drive configuration producing 85 kW. The BYD Dolphin Surf (R341 900) is more compact (3 925 mm) and uses a front-wheel-drive motor producing 55 kW. The Geely also offers a slightly higher claimed range of 325 km compared to the BYD’s 300 km.
Q: Are there any affordable electric crossovers available for under R500 000?
A: Yes, the Dongfeng 06 E1 recently launched as a more practical alternative to the entry-level hatchbacks. Priced at R499 000, it is a 4 510 mm-long crossover (significantly larger than the hatchbacks on this list) and offers a more powerful 120 kW motor and a claimed range of 401 km.
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