5 Most Affordable EVs in South Africa in 2025

We’ve rounded up the five most affordable passenger EVs you can buy in South Africa in 2025. 

With reports from China having suggested BYD is hoping to launch the Atto 1 in South Africa for under R400 000, we were curious what are the most affordable electric vehicles (EVs) currently available in our market. So, before the Atto 1’s imminent arrival, we’ve compiled a list of the five least expensive passenger EVs you can buy at the moment.

5. ⁠Mini Aceman E — from R800 000

Mini Aceman E

Image: Mini

The Mini Aceman E is powered by a single electric-motor arrangement that produces 135 kW and 290 N.m of torque, exclusively delivered to the road via the front wheels. The entry-level Aceman (we’ve sampled the flagship, Aceman SE in March 2025) has a claimed operating range of 300 km from a fully charged 42.5 kWh battery.

4. BYD Atto 3 — from R768 000

BYD Atto 3

Image: BYD

The Atto 3 is the first BYD on this list. The Atto 3 is available in two flavours, with the Standard Range derivative serving as the opening gambit to the lineup. This model’s 150 kW/310 N.m electric motor is fed by a 49.92 kWh battery, which offers a claimed operating range of 345 km on a single, full charge.

3. GWM Ora 03 — from R686 950

GWM Ora 03 300 Super Luxury

Image: CAR Magazine

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 126 kW and 250 N.m, and is coupled with a 48 kWh battery pack that offers a claimed driving range of 310 km when fully charged.

⁠2. BYD Dolphin — from R539 900

BYD Dolphin

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 70 kW/180 N.m electric motor and a 60.4 kWh battery pack that’s good for a claimed operating range of 340 km/h on a single, full charge.

1. Dayun S5 — from R399 900

Dayun S5

Image: Dayun

Introduced to our market in July 2025, the Dayun S5 lineup is priced from a hair below R400 000, making it the most affordable EV currently available in South Africa. This city car is equipped with a 31.7 kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 330 km, and an electric motor that produces only 35 kW and 105 N.m.

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