2024 has already seen a number of new EVs rolling into Mzansi, so if you're taking the electric plunge, the menu is now even bigger. But which is the best and what should you buy?
Sell your old ICE car with Instant Offer here before buying your favourite new EV
Choosing the right EV for you
When you pick any car, you first decide what kind of car will suit your personality and lifestyle best. When choosing an electric car, it's the same, but there are more factors to consider, such as range, performance, budget, and charging time.
There are a myriad of body shapes available, but most EVs in South Africa are compact or mid-size SUVs. Then there are a few hatchbacks and a couple of sedans, along with some sportier, low-slung coupé options. We picked one of each.
Here are a few of our new favourite EV options for 2024:
Best electric hatch: GWM Ora 03
The Ora 3 is SA's cheapest electric car at the time this article was published, and the AutoTrader team was smitten with it. It's priced from R686,950.
Impressed by the build quality and technology included as standard, we find very little to criticise the Ora 400 GT on. Prices start from as low as R686 950, making the Ora hatch a viable option for those looking at green mobility. - Chad Luckhoff
Watch the full video review of the GWM Ora 400GT Ultra Luxury here.
Best compact SUV: Volvo EX30
Volvo's EX30 came onto the lcoal scene recently and was awarded Best World Urban Car at the New York International Auto Show shortly thereafter. Boasting quick charging times, blistering performance, and decent range, plus a variety of models to choose from, the EX30 is worth making a trip to the dealership for. It's one of the most affordable EVs in SA with a starting price of R775 900.
2024 Volvo EX30 unsheathed for South Africa
Best electric sedan: BMW i5
The electric version of the new BMW 5 Series is the distinguished gentleman in the lineup, but it has the heart of a lion! It's priced at a rather steep R2,190,000, but if your budget stretches this far, why not?
The highlight of the fully electric i5 M60 is without a doubt the standard M launch control and a lovely little M Sport Boost paddle behind the steering wheel that lets you access the full monty of its power for a full ten seconds. Say you need an immediate boost, you just flick the paddle, and it switches over to full-fledged sport mode. The 442 kW of power on tap is immense and immediate, and it knocks your socks off. - Ané Albertse, AutoTrader
Read the full 2024 BMW 5 Series First Drive Review here.
Best large electric SUV: Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
If you want range, then Mercedes-Benz will give you range along with S-Class opulence, technology, and space in the Mercedes-EQS SUV. Mercedes-EQ says you can travel up to 616 km but we're quite happy with a more realistic 445 km on the highway (in mild weather), and a combined range of around 550 km (city and highway), also in mild weather. Pricing starts at R2,731,951 for the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV.
Other reviews talk about real-life consumption of 3.6 km/kWh which offers 430 km of range at the national speed limit of 120 km/h in warmer 25-degree weather, so long road trips are very doable in this EV. Just bear in mind that the long range means a big battery, so remember to factor in charging time.
Watch our Mercedes-Benz EQA 450+ SUV Quick Video Review here.
Best electric sports car: BMW i4
The BMW i4 may not be the newest EV but it remains one of our favourite cars of 2023. We also picked the i4 because it actually offers good value for money and is thrilling to drive, with a starting price of R1,293,300 for the entry-level iDrive35 M Sport version. (If money is no object, however, you can go big and opt for the Porsche Taycan, priced from R 2,868,000 to a whopping R5,882,000 for the turbo GT model!)
Watch the full 2023 BMW i4 M50 Video Review here.
ENDS
