A mix of compact city cars, luxury SUVs, and powerful electric bakkies are set to dominate the roads as South Africa braces for the arrival of the top ten most anticipated electric vehicles (EVs) of 2025. While Tesla has been the poster child of the electric vehicle conversation for years, 2025 seems to be the year when new contenders, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models, emerge, significantly shaking up the market.
According to a recent analysis by Value My Cart, based on global search interest and market forecasts, they unveiled their list of the top ten upcoming EVs expected to hit the roads. The methodology for this report included mining manufacturer announcements, automotive consultancy reports, and reliable news sources to compile the most awaited models set for release.
While electric vehicles might seem far removed from the South African consumer's daily reality, particularly due to the nation grappling with long-standing electricity supply issues, the tides are slowly turning. The recent developments around EV sales appear optimistic. Early data from May 2024 reveals sales of new energy vehicles soared by 82.7% over the first quarter of 2024, totally 3,042 units sold compared to 1,665 at the same time last year.
Still, these figures stand as mere shadows compared to the hefty sales reported globally, highlighted by the International Energy Agency's prediction of approximately 17 million EVs to be sold worldwide in 2024, up significantly from nearly 14 million units sold the previous year.
Among local production initiatives, BMW has officially started manufacturing the X3 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at its Rosslyn plant, north of Pretoria. This began effective October 2024 and is set to dramatically change the local automotive production dynamic.
Complementing this production trend, Ford is committing R5.2-billion to the Silverton Assembly Plant based in Pretoria, gearing up for the production of its first plug-in hybrid, the Ford Ranger, starting late 2024. These plants are part of the shift to electric mobility, sharply aligning with commitments to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector.
Even more significantly, recent legislation passed by President Cyril Ramaphosa could accelerate this transition. On December 24, 2024, he signed the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, which amends section 12 of the Income Tax Act, allowing for a generous 150% tax deduction for automotive manufacturers producing components for electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.
This proactive approach is part of broader efforts to tackle climate change. South Africa's recent 9th National Greenhouse Gas Inventory unveiled stark data on emissions, indicating the transport sector produces 57 Mt of CO₂ per annum, accounting for 10.8% of the nation’s overall greenhouse gas emissions profile. Road transport, primarily, is responsible for 91.2% of these emissions, making the shift toward electric vehicles even more urgent.
Understanding the eventual rise of EVs is even more compelling, as recent discussions have debunked myths around electric vehicles and their production impact within South Africa's economic scope. The optimism around EV mobility isn’t unfounded; rather, it reflects potential industrial growth and opportunities for reducing the overall carbon footprint of transport.
The prospect of 2025 unveils numerous possibilities for consumers affected by the shift toward sustainable transportation. The transition from luxury models to affordable hatchbacks sets the scene for increased accessibility to electric vehicles among the general populace. Looking forward, there lies potential for enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and innovation, as evidenced by initiatives like electric vehicle production and supportive policies from the government.
For consumers, the opportunity to drive more affordable and environmentally-friendly vehicles is approaching fast. This anticipation has sparked interest as South Africans yearn for effective solutions to combat climate threats, considering the pressing environmental challenges at the national and global levels.
Eventually, whether it’s the compact city cars or the luxurious SUVs making headlines, the general sentiment prevails — 2025 is poised to be monumental as South Africa embraces the electric vehicle movement. With this anticipated influx of electric cars, greater emphasis on climate initiatives, and substantial support from industrial strategies, the transition to greener vehicles could very well redefine the future of mobility.
Therefore, as excitement builds around the anticipated EVs of 2025, one can't help but wonder how this shift will not only reshape consumer attitudes but also alter broader transport dynamics across South Africa. It’s clear: the electric vehicle revolution is no longer on the horizon; it’s right around the corner and ready to drive the nation toward cleaner air and lower emissions.