BYD Aims to Accelerate EV Adoption in SA with ‘Major’ Investment

In a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in South Africa, Chinese automaker BYD has announced a ‘major’ investment into our market’s charging infrastructure.

BYD Sealion 7 Performance AWD driving

Image: BYD

Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) has announced its plans to “rapidly” expand its footprint in South Africa with a series of “major” investments aimed at accelerating our country’s transition towards electric mobility. According to Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, South Africa is a pivotal market for the Shenzhen-based brand and a “future springboard” for regional growth.

In a bid to “transform” South Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape, the company said it plans on installing between 200 and 300 public EV charging stations across the country in 2026. In addition, the firm also announced the roll-out of 1MW ultra-fast charging facilities once models compatible with this rapid charging technology reach our market.

As a reminder, BYD’s current local portfolio comprises five EVs: the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal, and Sealion 7. Rounding out the carmaker’s range of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) is a duo of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), coming in the shape of the Sealion 6 SUV and Shark 6 double-cab bakkie.

Said Nomonde Kweyi, Marketing Director of BYD South Africa and MEA region, “BYD’s presence in South Africa represents our commitment to being more than an automotive brand — we are a technology company delivering comprehensive new energy solutions for this market. From our range of NEVs — including pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids — to batteries, renewable energy generation, and storage systems, we’re building the integrated ecosystem that South Africa needs for its sustainable future.

“As we expand our dealer network and deepen our local partnerships, we’re focused on delivering practical, accessible solutions that meet South Africans where they are today. Our NEV technology, particularly our PHEVs, provides the flexibility this market needs while building toward a fully electric future.”

As a reminder, as part of this automaker’s commitment to our market, in July 2025, BYD announced it has teamed up with ABSA to launch a new finance solution in South Africa – the collaboration between the two companies focusing on supporting BYD’s mission to make EVs more accessible to South African consumers and ABSA’s broader climate strategy.

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The post BYD Aims to Accelerate EV Adoption in SA with ‘Major’ Investment appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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