South Africa’s used EV market accelerates as premium models lead uptake

South Africa’s electric vehicle market is quietly gaining traction, and the latest data suggests the segment is beginning to move beyond early adopters. According to AutoTrader’s 2025 Mid-Year Industry Report, sales of battery-electric vehicles in the first half of the year increased by 65% year-on-year, a strong signal that local buyers are becoming more comfortable with electric mobility.

Luxury takes the lead in South Africa’s EV surge

The growth is not spread evenly across the market. Premium models currently dominate, with Volvo’s EX30 and XC40 Recharge taking the top two spots in used EV sales. In the first half of 2025, 64 EX30s and 45 XC40 Recharges were sold, reflecting not only brand appeal but also the types of vehicles early EV buyers are choosing - compact, reliable, and practical for daily use.

Interestingly, while the GWM Ora 03 was the most frequently listed EV on AutoTrader, it only ranked seventh in actual sales during the first half of 2025. This highlights a key distinction in the market: availability doesn’t automatically translate to adoption, with buyers prioritising factors like perceived reliability, brand familiarity, and practicality.

New car sales reflect growing adoption

In the first four months of 2025, Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) reported 114 EVs sold, with the EX30 again leading the way. New models, such as the EX90 and EX30 Cross Country, and upcoming variants, such as the ES90 and EX60, are expected to expand choice and help sustain growth.

The Swedish brand’s success shows that familiarity, reliability, and practicality still matter most as South Africans start to embrace electric mobility on their own terms.

More affordable options expand access

Yet, it’s not just premium brands driving adoption. More affordable options are starting to broaden access, making EV ownership attainable for a wide range of South Africans. The recently launched BYD Dolphin Surf, for example, has a starting price of R339,900, bringing electric motoring within reach of many first-time EV buyers. This suggests the market is entering a phase where EVs are no longer a niche category but a realistic alternative for everyday drivers.

Charging infrastructure is slowly catching up

Infrastructure, long seen as a barrier to adoption, is slowly catching up. Recent reports indicate over 500 public charging points are available nationwide, concentrated in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. Private operators, such as Zero Carbon Charge, have been expanding networks along key corridors, and off-grid solar-powered sites are beginning to appear, addressing some practicality concerns. Analysts believe that the pace of infrastructure development will be critical in sustaining the momentum reflected in new and used sales data.

“The growing interest in compact EVs shows that South African buyers are prioritising practicality and reliability in their choices, rather than vehicles aimed at niche markets,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “As infrastructure and model availability continue to expand, we expect this segment to attract an even wider range of drivers in the coming years.”

A broader path to mainstream EV adoption

Overall, the first half of 2025 suggests that the country’s EV market is evolving along predictable lines: early adopters remain focused on premium models, infrastructure is improving, and more affordable options are starting to open the door to broader adoption. Volvo’s strong sales illustrate how premium brands are currently shaping the South African EV market.

With infrastructure gradually improving and a wider range of EVs entering the market, South Africa appears poised to move beyond high-end EV adoption.