Here's How Many EVs and Hybrids Were Sold in SA in Q1 2023

Wondering exactly how many EVs and hybrids were registered in South Africa in the opening quarter of 2023? Well, we have the sales figures…

The opening quarter of 2023 has come and gone, which had us wondering: exactly how many electric vehicles (EVs), traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids were sold in South Africa over this 3-month reporting period?

Well, thanks to the release of Naamsa’s quarterly review of business conditions for South Africa’s motor-vehicle manufacturing industry, we have the answer.

First, let’s remind you of 2022’s efforts in this section of the local market. Last year, overall new-energy vehicle (NEV) sales – so, registrations comprising EVs, traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids – reflected a whopping year-on-year increase of 431.7% from 896 units in 2021 to 4 674 units in 2022. Note, of course, this tally comprised just 0.88% of SA’s total new-vehicle sales for the year.

During the 1st quarter of 2023, NEV sales by 14 automotive brands increased by 18.8% year on year, growing from 1 401 units in the opening quarter of 2022 to 1 665 units in the same period in 2023. By our maths, that translates to 1.96% of the industry total (84 774 units) for the first 3 months of 2023.

As you might have guessed, traditional hybrids made up the bulk of that figure (nearly 85%, in fact), with 1 408 units registered locally from the start of January to the end of March 2023. Key local players in this segment include dual-powered versions of Toyota’s Corolla hatch and sedan, the Corolla Cross and the RAV4, plus various Lexus models as well as the Honda Fit and Haval’s H6 and Jolion hybrids.

*Hybrid versions of Toyota’s Corolla Cross (seen here in GR Sport trim) likely drove much of the volume.*

Fully electric cars, meanwhile, accounted for 232 units in the opening quarter, more than double the figure achieved in the corresponding period in 2022. Right now, the least-expensive EV in the country is the Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door (R742 102), while the likes of Volvo, BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer various battery-powered models below the R1.5-million mark. The upcoming GWM Ora, however, looks set to be priced from R716 900.

Finally, just 25 units of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) were sold in South Africa in Q1 2023, down from 32 in the same period in 2022. Examples of such vehicles include T8 versions of Volvo’s XC60 and XC90, along with BMW’s X5 xDrive45e and P300e and P400e derivatives in Jaguar Land Rover’s line-up. From what we understand, mild-hybrid powertrains are not included in the Naamsa’s broader NEV figures.

So, why haven’t NEVs really taken off in South Africa? Well, there are many possible reasons, though Naamsa says the “high upfront purchasing cost” (linked to higher production costs, mainly related to battery production) has been the “main inhibitor” to increased NEV uptake in South Africa.

Naamsa says this is “exacerbated by the effects” of the value-added tax (VAT), the ad valorem excise duty based on a sliding scale up to 30%, and the import tariff, not to mention “limited product availability” and “awareness issues emanating from range anxiety, security of electricity supply and a limited understanding of the technology”.

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