5 most affordable electric vehicles in South Africa in 2026
Here's a round-up of the five most affordable passenger electric vehicles you can buy in South Africa in 2026.
With the massive influx of Chinese automotive brands entering South Africa, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more accessible in the local market. So it’s no surprise that the top five most affordable EVs in SA are all produced by Chinese brands. Currently, the most affordable EV in South Africa is priced comfortably under the R400 000 mark.
5. GWM Ora 03 — from R686 950
Image: GWM
Sporting a retro-inspired exterior design, the four-strong GWM Ora 03 lineup is priced from R686 950 for the 300 Super Luxury, which we’ve evaluated for a road test, to R835 950 for the 400 GT Super Luxury. The base-spec model’s electric motor produces 126kW and 250Nm, and is coupled with a 48kWh battery pack that offers a claimed driving range of 310km when fully charged.
4. BYD Dolphin — from R539 900
Image: BYD
When the Dolphin made its local debut in early 2024, it was South Africa’s most affordable EV. The Dolphin is available in Standard Range and Extended Range configurations, with the former, least expensive of the two featuring a 70kW/180Nm electric motor and a 60.4kWh battery pack that’s good for a claimed operating range of 340km/h on a full charge.
3. Dongfeng Box E1 330 — from R 459 000
Image: Donfeng
The Dongfeng Box arrived in South Africa in November 2025, almost a year after its unveiling as the Wuhan-based firm’s first battery electric vehicle in late 2024. The Box is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 70kW and 160Nm and is capable of a top speed of 140km/h. The entry-level variant is equipped with a 32.6kWh battery, offering a claimed 330km of range, while other derivatives feature a larger 43.9kWh battery, extending the claimed range to 430km on a full charge.
2. Dayun S5 — from R399 900
Image: Dayun
Introduced to our market in July 2025, the Dayun S5 lineup is priced from a hair below R400 000. This city car is equipped with a 31.7kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 330km, and an electric motor that produces only 35kW and 105Nm.
1. BYD Dolphin Surf — from R 339 900
Image: BYD
The Dolphin Surf undercuts the previously most affordable EV in SA, the Dayun S5, by almost R60 000. The two-strong Dolphin Surf range includes the Comfort and Dynamic derivatives, which are priced from R339 900 and R389 900, respectively. The Comfort is equipped with a 30kWh Blade Battery, rated for a claimed 232km WLTP range, while the Dynamic features a 38.8kWh unit with a claimed 295km of operating range. The Dolphin Surf produces 55kW across the range.
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