The new Arcfox T1 has officially touched down in South Africa, launching as one of the local market’s most affordable fully electric vehicles. Here’s what this new EV costs…
- BAIC launches Arcfox sub-brand in SA
- Fully electric T1 arrives as first model
- Launches as 5th most affordable EV
The new Arcfox T1 – a battery-powered 5-door that straddles the line between hatchback and crossover – has officially arrived in South Africa, launching as one of the local market’s most affordable electric vehicles (EVs).
Founded in 2017, Arcfox effectively serves as a fully electric sub-brand of the Beijing-based BAIC Group. The T1, which BAIC South Africa displayed at the 2026 Festival of Motoring in August, is the marque’s first product for Mzansi.
So, what does this Chinese newcomer cost? Well, the local line-up comprises a pair of derivatives at launch, with the Arcfox T1 Pro coming in at R359 900 and the T1 Max at R399 900. The price of the entry-level derivative sees the new T1 rank 5th on the list of SA’s most affordable EVs.
Interestingly, the Arcfox T1 – which is known in its domestic market of China as the “Arcfox Beta T1” – is larger than the likes of the Geely E2, BYD Dolphin Surf, Dongfeng Box and Chery Q. The newcomer measures 4 337 mm long, with a wheelbase of 2 770 mm.
The Arcfox T1 – not to be confused with Jetour’s model of the same name – employs a front-mounted electric motor that delivers peak outputs of 70 kW and 176 Nm. Arcfox’s international spec sheets list a claimed single-charge range of 310 km, courtesy of a 42.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack.
Based on specifications for the “global” version, we expect both the Pro and the Max to feature an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch floating touchscreen. Interestingly, the Pro grade offered in SA seemingly makes do with 17-inch steel wheels, while the Max upgrades to 18-inch alloys.
Of course, the Max also scores extra kit such as a powered tailgate as well as front-seat heating and ventilation. We furthermore expect this range-topping derivative to be set apart by a full suite of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features.
What does the Arcfox T1 cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| T1 Pro | R359 900 |
| T1 Max | R399 900 |
We’ve yet to determine the Arcfox T1’s warranty and service-plan parameters, but will update this section once these details have been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does the new Arcfox T1 EV cost in South Africa?
A: The Arcfox T1 line-up starts at R359 900 for the T1 Pro derivative and rises to R399 900 for the flagship T1 Max, with the former making it the 5th most affordable fully electric vehicle in South Africa.
Q: What are the performance and battery specs for the Arcfox T1?
A: Powered by a front-mounted electric motor delivering 70 kW and 176 Nm of torque, the Arcfox T1 uses a 42.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack to achieve a claimed single-charge range of 310 km.
Q: Who builds the Arcfox T1 and how large is it?
A: Arcfox is a fully electric sub-brand of China’s BAIC Group. The T1 measures 4 337 mm in length with a 2 770 mm wheelbase, positioning it as larger than competitors like the Geely E2, BYD Dolphin Surf, Dongfeng Box and Chery Q.
Related content
BAIC B30e 1.5T HEV (2026) Review
Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
