All of the electric vehicles that will be available in South Africa in 2023, including the most cheap yet

In 2023, South Africa will see the introduction of a swarm of new electric cars (EVs).

Last year saw the most new electric car models introduced to the local market.

In total, 13 new EVs were introduced in South Africa, including new models from three German automotive heavyweights – Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, new EV car sales increased this year.

By the end of September 2022, 350 totally electric vehicles had been sold, compared to 218 in 2021 and 154 in 2019.

2020 was an exception owing to automobile sales being drastically reduced by lockdowns.

Carmakers are not slowing down their EV debuts.

At the time of writing, at least nine further EV models had been confirmed or were expected to arrive in South African showrooms in 2023.

This year’s lineup includes GWM’s Ora Cat, a Chinese automobile acclaimed for its good range and rich amenities at a low price in international countries.

Based on its UK price, the Porsche/Beetle-looking hatchback is likely to retail in South Africa for roughly R600,000, making it the country’s most inexpensive fully-electric car.

The ultra-luxurious Rolls Royce Spectre, the carmaker’s first-ever fully-electric vehicle, is at the other extreme of the scale.

Along with GWM and Rolls Royce, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Toyota, and Volvo are all planning to introduce electric vehicles on South African roads.

The following is a list of predicted and confirmed EVs for South Africa in 2023.

In cases when more than one type of a vehicle is available, we’ve given specs for both the entry-level and top-tier models.

BMW iX1

• Engine power/torque: 230kW/494Nm
• 0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
• Range: Up to 440km (WLTP)
• Maximum charging speeds: 130kW DC or 22kW AC
• Expected launch date: Q2 2023

GWM Ora Cat

• Engine power/torque: 126kW/250Nm
• 0-100km/h: 9.3 seconds
• Range: Up to 501km (WLTP)
• Maximum charging speeds: 60kW DC or 6.6kW AC
• Expected launch date: Q3 2023

Kia EV6 GT

• Engine power/torque: 430kW/740Nm
• 0-100km/h: 3.4 seconds
• Range: Up to 528km
• Maximum charging speeds: 350kW DC or 11kW AC
• Expected launch date: Sometime in 2023

Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan

• Engine power/torque: 180kW/550Nm (300 model) or 505kW/1,000Nm (AMG 53 4Matic+)
• 0-100km/h: 7.3 seconds (300 model) or 3.3 seconds (AMG 53 4Matic+)
• Range: Up to 639km (300 model) or 526km (AMG 53 4Matic+)
• Maximum charging speeds: 170kW DC or 11kW AC
• Expected launch date: Sometime in 2023

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

• Engine power/torque: 215 kW/565 Nm (350+ model) or 300kW/858 Nm (500 4Matic model)
• 0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds (350+ model) or 5.3 seconds (500 4Matic model)
• Range: Up to 590km (350+ model) or 547km (500 4Matic model)
• Maximum charging speeds: 173kW DC or 7.4kW AC
• Expected launch date: Sometime in 2023

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

• Engine power/torque: 264kW/568Nm (450+ model) or 400kW/858Nm (580 4Matic model)
• 0-100km/h: 6.7 seconds (450+ model) or 4.9 seconds (580 4Matic model)
• Range: Up to 490km (450+ model) or 459km (580 4Matic model)
• Maximum charging speeds: 200kW DC or 11kW AC
• Expected launch date: Sometime in 2023

Rolls Royce Spectre

• Engine power/torque: 430kW/900Nm
• 0-100km/h: 4.5 seconds
• Range: Up to 520km
• Maximum charging speeds: 200kW DC or 11kW AC
• Expected launch date: Sometime in 2023

Toyota bz4X

• Engine power/torque: 150kW/265Nm (FWD) or 160kW/336Nm (AWD)
• 0-100km/h: 8.4 seconds (FWD) or  7.7 seconds (AWD)
• Range: Up to 516km (FWD) or 460km (AWD)
• Maximum charging speeds: 150kW DC or 6.6kW AC
• Expected launch date: Sometime in 2023

Volvo C40 Recharge

• Engine power/torque: 300kW/660Nm
• 0-100km/h: 4.7 seconds
• Range: Up to 451km
• Maximum charging speeds: 150kW DC or 11kW AC
• Expected launch date: H1 2023