5 most affordable EVs in South Africa (2026)

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 October 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: 10 years/200 000 km
• Find a Chery on Cars.co.za

5. Arcfox T1 Pro – from R359 900

Built by China’s BAIC Group, the Arcfox T1 – a battery-powered 5-door that straddles the line between hatchback and crossover – measures 4 337 mm from front to back, making it larger than the other models on this list. It employs a front-mounted electric motor that delivers peak outputs of 70 kW and 176 Nm. The company claims a single-charge range of 310 km, courtesy of a 42.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The Pro variant is priced at R359 900, while the Max derivative starts at R399 900.

• Claimed range: 310 km
• Battery warranty: TBC
• Find a BAIC on Cars.co.za

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